Referee Error Costs Titans? Hooda Slams 'Wrong Decision' in 50-45 PKL Qualifier 2 Thriller

It was the match that had everything. Drama, high scores, and a massive controversy. Telugu Titans’ dream run in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 came to a screeching halt on October 30, 2025, after a nail-biting 50-45 loss to Puneri Paltan in Qualifier 2. But this wasn’t just any loss, and their coach, Krishan Hooda, is making sure everyone knows why.

Key Takeaways

Puneri Paltan defeated Telugu Titans 50-45 to advance to the PKL 12 final against Dabang Delhi.
Titans Coach Krishan Hooda blasted the referee for overturning a linesman’s decision to rule a raider out.
Despite the controversy, Hooda also blamed his team’s defense, specifically calling out Ajit Pawar for conceding 8-9 points.
Puneri Paltan’s Aditya Shinde was the star performer, scoring an incredible 21 raid points.

What Sparked the Fire?

Look, kabaddi is a fast game. Decisions happen in a split second. But this one felt different. The whole controversy exploded over a single, crucial raid. Here’s the thing, a linesman had clearly declared a Puneri Paltan raider ‘out’. The raider even went back to his own court, not attempting to score more.

But then, the referee stepped in and overturned the call. That’s when Hooda lost his cool. He was seen in a heated argument, questioning the very basis of the reversal. Why change a call that the linesman, who was right there, had already made? It created chaos and completely shifted the momentum.

Hooda Holds Nothing Back

After the match, Hooda didn’t mince words. He openly slammed the referee’s decision, calling it just plain wrong. For a team that had fought tooth and nail to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years, this felt like a punch to the gut. It was a truly emotional journey, and this decision tainted what should have been a celebrated season.

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But honestly, he didn’t just blame the officials. Hooda also pointed the finger squarely at his own defense. He said his team’s defensive performance was a major letdown, specifically mentioning that defender Ajit Pawar gave away 8-9 points. It’s that kind of brutal honesty that shows how much was really at stake.

Expert Analysis

When a referee overturns a linesman’s call, it doesn’t just change the score, it plants a seed of doubt. The players start questioning every call. That hesitation can be fatal in a game as quick as kabaddi. The decision may have directly or indirectly impacted the confidence of the Telugu Titans’ defense for the remainder of the match.

Social Media Storm

The incident immediately ignited debate across social media. Fans were split, with many backing Hooda’s passionate defense of his team. Hashtags related to the match likely saw a surge in activity as clips of the argument and the controversial raid went viral, with many calling for more accountability in PKL officiating.

What’s Next After the Heartbreak?

For the Telugu Titans, the season is over. It’s a bitter pill to swallow after coming so close. Their nine-year playoff drought ended, but the dream of a title remains just that, a dream. They’ll have to regroup and think about next season.

As for Puneri Paltan, their incredible victory, powered by Aditya Shinde’s stunning 21 raid points, sets up a blockbuster final. They will now face off against Dabang Delhi for the PKL 12 trophy. It’s going to be an epic showdown. But the question will always linger, should the Titans have been there instead?

Referee Error Costs Titans? Hooda Slams ‘Wrong Decision’ in 50-45 PKL Qualifier 2 Thriller

Key Takeaways

What Sparked the Fire?