Ashu Malik injury Update: In the high-octane world of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), every match brings its own excitement, drama, and a few surprises. The PKL 2025 season has been no different. However, one surprising absence that caught the attention of kabaddi fans recently was that of Dabang Delhi’s star captain, Ashu Malik.
On Thursday, October 9, during match 73 of PKL 12, Delhi took on Bengal Warriorz without their fearless leader. This was a notable moment for the franchise, as it was Ashu Malik’s first absence in PKL 12. So, what happened to Ashu Malik, and why wasn’t he on the mat for the crucial game against Bengal Warriorz?
Why Ashu Malik Was Missing From the Action
The reason behind Ashu Malik’s absence from the match was a leg injury he sustained during Dabang Delhi’s previous encounter against the Haryana Steelers. It wasn’t just a minor issue; the injury involved his right leg, and Malik had to be substituted during that game. Despite earning four raid points – two touch points and two bonus points – from seven raids, Malik’s performance was cut short, as he was visibly in discomfort after taking a few unsuccessful raids.
After sustaining the injury, Ashu Malik’s recovery became a priority. It was confirmed that he had not fully recovered in time for the Bengal Warriorz match, and the team decided to rest him. This decision seemed to be in the best interests of his health and recovery, especially given the rigours of the PKL season.
Not only was Ashu absent for this match, but there are concerns he could also miss the next fixture against Gujarat Giants on October 10. For Dabang Delhi, a quick recovery is essential, as they will be hoping for Malik’s return in time for the Delhi leg of the tournament, where they are set to play their first match on October 12.
The Impact of Ashu Malik’s Absence
The match, which took place at the SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai, was a close encounter. Dabang Delhi, who had been on an impressive five-match winning streak before this, suffered a narrow defeat to Bengal Warriorz, losing by a single point – 37-36. Although Delhi’s performance was not disastrous, the loss marked the first time they were defeated in the Chennai leg, and it raised questions about the absence of Ashu Malik, the team’s captain and leading raider.
Ashu Malik’s absence was felt throughout the match, and while his teammates fought hard, they couldn’t overcome the deficit. The Delhi side had been on a roll before this, registering four wins in their first four games in Chennai. A loss, particularly to a team like Bengal Warriorz, who had been seen as underperformers, left fans and analysts wondering whether the absence of their leader played a major role in the result.
Ashu Malik’s Stellar Performance This Season
Ashu Malik’s absence was particularly noticeable because of the form he has shown in PKL 2025 so far. As a raider, Malik has been one of the top performers of the season. He has accumulated 148 points in the tournament so far, with 146 of those being raid points. Malik’s impressive tally includes seven Super Raids and seven Super 10s, with an average of 12.16 raid points per match. His consistency and skill have made him a key player for Dabang Delhi, and it is no surprise that his absence left a void in the team’s attacking unit.
Currently, Ashu Malik is ranked third in the list of top raiders for PKL 12, which speaks volumes about his contribution to the team. His leadership and raiding skills have been integral to Delhi’s rise to the top of the points table, where they currently sit with 22 points from 13 games, having won 11 and lost only 2 matches. Without Malik, the team was left to rely on the performances of others, but the loss to Bengal Warriorz showed how much the captain is missed.
Who Is Leading Dabang Delhi in Ashu’s Absence?
In Ashu Malik’s absence, the responsibility of leading Dabang Delhi has fallen on Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali. Known for his leadership and strong defensive skills, Fazel is an experienced campaigner and has taken on the mantle of captaincy with confidence. While Fazel has been exceptional in his role, Ashu Malik’s leadership, combined with his raiding prowess, has been crucial to Delhi’s success, making his absence a significant gap for the team to fill.
Dabang Delhi’s Current Position in the Standings
Despite the setback, Dabang Delhi remains in a strong position in the points table. They are currently placed at the top with 22 points, boasting an impressive score difference of +71 from 13 matches. With 11 wins and just 2 losses, the team has had a remarkable season so far. Their run of five consecutive victories, leading up to the defeat against Bengal Warriorz, is a testament to their consistency and team spirit.
While the loss against Bengal was a disappointing one, Delhi will now look to regroup and focus on the upcoming matches. The team will hope that Ashu Malik makes a speedy recovery and is back on the mat for their crucial games in the Delhi leg. Having won the first four matches in Chennai, Dabang Delhi will be eager to return to winning ways, especially with their home crowd behind them.
Ashu Malik’s injury has been a setback for Dabang Delhi in PKL 2025, but his absence has also highlighted just how vital he is to the team’s success. With his stellar form in raids and his leadership qualities, Ashu has proven to be one of the standout players in this season’s tournament.
As Dabang Delhi looks ahead to their next games, fans will be hoping that Ashu Malik recovers swiftly and returns to the mat in top form.
