The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 dealt a significant blow to Haryana Steelers when their star raider, Naveen Kumar, suffered a serious knee injury during their match against Bengaluru Bulls. The injury left the team reeling and raised serious concerns about Naveen’s availability for the remainder of the season.
Naveen Kumar Collapses After Painful Fall
The incident occurred during the first half of the match, with just over seven minutes left and the scoreline at 15-13 in Bengaluru’s favor. Naveen, who had just started finding his rhythm this season, attempted a raid but awkwardly twisted near the right corner. He immediately collapsed in visible pain, clutching his knee. Screaming in agony, he pleaded with the defenders not to tackle him.
As soon as the fall occurred, the game was stopped, and medical staff rushed to the field. Naveen was stretchered off the mat in tears, leaving both his teammates and coach Manpreet Singh stunned and speechless on the sidelines.
😟😯🤯🥺
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 8, 2025
Unfortunate sight as Naveen Express goes down injured during a raid! 🚨
Pro Kabaddi 👉🏻 Haryana Steelers 🆚 Bengaluru Bulls | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/9MGWG1ifzv
[Naveen Kumar, Naveen Express, Haryana Steelers, Coach Manpreet] pic.twitter.com/8tIslnldBu
Coach Manpreet Singh’s Statement
After the match, Coach Manpreet Singh addressed the media and shared his thoughts on Naveen’s injury:
“I have just come directly from the match to the press conference. Naveen is a fighter, isn’t he? I pray to God that no player gets injured, and I hope Naveen’s injury isn’t serious. He should recover and come back soon. But we will only know the extent of his injury after the MRI,” Manpreet said.
A History of Injuries
This is not the first time Naveen Kumar has faced such a setback. While playing for Dabang Delhi KC, he missed significant parts of both the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to recurring knee and ankle problems. Despite these setbacks, Naveen has built an impressive record, scoring 1,120 raid points in 111 matches, averaging more than 10 points per game.
A Big Blow for Haryana Steelers
For Haryana Steelers, the absence of their star raider is a massive blow to their campaign. Naveen’s injury has shaken the team’s confidence, and without their talisman, the Steelers struggled throughout the match and ultimately lost to Bengaluru Bulls 33-40. Now, the team is eagerly awaiting medical updates to understand how long they will be without their star player.
Manpreet Talks About Vizag Conditions
In the same press conference, Manpreet Singh also discussed the challenging conditions in Vizag (Visakhapatnam).
“The weather here isn’t suiting the players from the North. I myself have been ill for the last 5-6 days. We train outdoors and are not able to recover properly. We are facing issues digesting the food here. The entire team is dealing with these problems. Things will get better when we move to Jaipur,” said Manpreet, expressing the team’s difficulties in the city.
What’s Next for Naveen Kumar and Haryana?
Right now, the main focus for Haryana Steelers and their fans is Naveen Kumar’s MRI report. If the injury turns out to be serious, it could sideline him for the rest of the season, which would be a huge blow for the team. His absence from the field could also have a massive impact on the competition in PKL 12, leaving a void that will be hard to fill.
However, there is hope that Naveen “Express” Kumar will recover soon and make a comeback on the Kabaddi mat, continuing his impressive career. Kabaddi fans across the country are wishing for his speedy recovery.
Conclusion
The entire Kabaddi fraternity is hoping for Naveen Kumar’s swift recovery, and we all await further updates on his condition. His absence could leave a huge gap in Haryana Steelers’ strategy, but there is still hope that they will continue to fight without their star raider.
I pray that my favorite kabaddi player Naveen Express Kumar is back on the mat ASAP