Shadloui Injury Ends Gujarat's Season; Crushing 54-26 Loss Knocks Giants Out of PKL 12 Playoffs

A season’s hopes, completely dashed in one night. The Gujarat Giants crashed out of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 playoffs after a brutal 54-26 defeat to the Bengaluru Bulls on October 23, 2025. The reason for the collapse? Their star Iranian all-rounder, Mohammadreza Shadloui, was forced to watch from the sidelines with a devastating ankle injury.

Key Takeaways

Season-Ending Defeat: Gujarat Giants lost 54-26 to Bengaluru Bulls, knocking them out of the PKL 12 playoffs.
Key Player Injured: All-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui missed the must-win match due to an ankle injury.
The Impact: Shadloui’s absence created a massive defensive void, which the Bulls exploited aggressively.
Shadloui’s Stats: He had scored 65 total points, including 37 tackle points, in 17 matches this season.

The Injury That Changed Everything

Look, this was a must-win game for the Giants. It was their final league-stage fixture, and their playoff dreams were hanging by a thread. But they had to face the charging Bengaluru Bulls without their most important player. Shadloui sustained the ankle injury just two days prior, on October 21, during a match against the Haryana Steelers after an awkward landing. Everyone hoped he’d be back. He wasn’t.

The team management had been cautiously optimistic, with the head coach stating Shadloui would only play if fully fit. But his recovery didn’t progress as planned. His absence left a gaping hole in the Giants’ lineup, affecting both their defense and their raiding strategy. You just can’t replace a player of his caliber overnight.

A Complete Defensive Collapse

From the first whistle, you could see the difference. The Gujarat Giants’ defensive unit, usually so solid with Shadloui leading the charge, looked lost. They struggled to contain the Bulls’ aggressive raiders, who seemed to score points at will. The coordination just wasn’t there. It was painful to watch.

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The final score of 54-26 tells the whole story. It wasn’t just a loss. It was a demolition. While the Bengaluru Bulls celebrated securing a top-four spot on the points table, the Gujarat Giants were left to wonder what could have been. That single injury completely derailed their campaign.

Expert Analysis

So, what do the experts say? Most agree that depending so heavily on one player is always a risky strategy. Shadloui’s dual threat as a defender and raider gave the Giants a unique balance. Without him, the entire structure crumbled. It’s a tough lesson for the team to learn, highlighting the need for more depth in their squad for future seasons. This loss wasn’t just about one match, but a reflection of their reliance on a single star.

Social Media Storm

As you can imagine, the fans were heartbroken. Social media was flooded with messages of support for Shadloui and frustration over the team’s exit. Hashtags related to the Giants and PKL 12 were trending all night. Many pointed out that the team’s spirit seemed to vanish the moment Shadloui was confirmed to be out. It shows just how much he means to the team and its supporters.

What’s Next for the Giants?

With their PKL 12 journey officially over, the Gujarat Giants head back to the drawing board. The management will have some tough decisions to make. How do they build a team that isn’t so reliant on one player? How do they ensure they have the backup to handle these kinds of situations next season?

For Shadloui, the focus will be on recovery. For the Giants, it’s a long road ahead to PKL Season 13. What do you think they need to change before next year? Let us know.

Shadloui Injury Ends Gujarat’s Season; Crushing 54-26 Loss Knocks Giants Out of PKL 12 Playoffs

Key Takeaways

The Injury That Changed Everything