PKL 2025
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PKL 2025: Delhi Coach’s Shock Ashu Malik Claim After 38-38 Tie-Breaker Loss to Pune

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 3 days ago | Oct 14, 2025 04:02 am IST
PKL 2025: Delhi Coach's Shock Ashu Malik Claim After 38-38 Tie-Breaker Loss to Pune

Dabang Delhi and Puneri Paltan delivered an absolute nail-biter on Sunday, October 12, 2025, that ended in a dramatic tie-breaker. But it was Delhi’s coach, Joginder Narwal, who dropped the real bombshell after Puneri Paltan clinched the win 6-5 following a tense 38-38 draw in regulation time.

Key Takeaways

  • Puneri Paltan defeated Dabang Delhi 6-5 in a tie-breaker after the match ended in a 38-38 draw.
  • Coach Joginder Narwal controversially stated, “Not necessary that we would won have if Ashu was there.”
  • Star raider and captain Ashu Malik was rested for the match due to a slight injury.
  • Despite the loss, Dabang Delhi is the first team this season to have secured a playoff spot.
  • Ajinkya Pawar scored a Super 10 and Saurabh Nandal a High 5 for Delhi in the match.

A Heartbreak Down to the Wire

Look, this match was everything you love about Pro Kabaddi. End-to-end action, incredible individual performances, and a finish that had everyone holding their breath. Dabang Delhi, even without their superstar captain Ashu Malik, put up a massive fight. Ajinkya Pawar was on fire, bagging a crucial Super 10, while Saurabh Nandal anchored the defense with a solid High 5.

But when the dust settled at 38-38, it all came down to the tie-breaker. And that’s where things slipped. Puneri Paltan held their nerve just a little bit better, edging out Delhi 6-5. Coach Narwal didn’t mince words, admitting his players struggled to maintain composure when it mattered most. It’s a tough pill to swallow, for sure.

The Coach’s Surprising Take on Ashu Malik

Here’s where the story gets really interesting. After the match, everyone was asking the same question: would things have been different with Ashu Malik on the mat? His 146 raid points in 12 matches speak for themselves. You’d think the answer is an obvious yes, right?

Expert Analysis

Well, Coach Joginder Narwal threw a curveball. He acknowledged that Ashu’s presence might have initially guaranteed a win, but then he made a shocking statement. “Not necessary that we would won have if Ashu was there,” he told reporters. It’s a comment that has the kabaddi world buzzing. Is he protecting his other players? Or is he sending a message that the entire team needs to step up, with or without their star?

Social Media Storm

You can bet fans are divided. Some are calling it a masterstroke of management, keeping the pressure off Malik and motivating the rest of the squad. Others are scratching their heads, wondering why a coach would downplay the impact of his best player. The debate is raging online, with everyone giving their two cents on Narwal’s strategy.

What’s Next for Delhi?

Let’s not forget the bigger picture. Dabang Delhi is the first team to officially qualify for the playoffs. That’s huge. Narwal confirmed that Ashu was only rested due to a slight injury and that he’ll be back when he’s 100% fit. This loss, while painful, doesn’t derail their campaign.

But honestly, it does raise some questions. Can Delhi find that champion’s composure in the high-pressure playoff environment? This match was a test, and they came up just short. They’ll need to figure that out before the stakes get even higher. What do you think of the coach’s comment? Was it the right thing to say?