PKL 12: Why did Aditya Shinde miss the clash against U Mumba?

Aditya Shinde has put in some stellar performances for Puneri Paltan in PKL 12.

The Maharashtra Derby always carries extra weight in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), and this season’s clash had plenty at stake. Puneri Paltan locked horns with U Mumba in a high-voltage encounter at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur. The Pune-based side delivered a commanding performance to seal a 40-22 victory over U Mumba.

What made the win even more significant was the fact that Puneri Paltan achieved it without their in-form raider, Aditya Shinde. His absence could have tilted the balance in favour of U Mumba, given his recent performances, but Pune showed remarkable squad depth and composure to dominate the PKL 12 match.

Why was Aditya Shinde not available against U Mumba?

Ahead of the derby, Puneri Paltan confirmed that Aditya Shinde would not feature as he failed to clear a fitness test.

The team shared a message for the fans, saying, “Aditya will be rested today after not clearing the fitness test. The Paltan can’t wait to cheer him back on the mat soon.”

While his absence was undoubtedly a blow, Puneri managed to turn it into motivation. Their clinical performance against U Mumba showcased just how balanced their squad is, even without one of their leading raiders.

Aditya Shinde’s season so far

Aditya has been a consistent performer for Puneri Paltan this season. In his seven matches so far, he has earned a total of 54 points, including 53 raid points and one tackle point. His sharp raiding has seen him post a raid success rate of 71 percent along with a not-out percentage of 79 percent, making him one of the most reliable raiders in the league.

The youngster already has three Super 10s and two Super Raids to his name in PKL 12. With an average of eight raid points per match, he has been instrumental in setting the tone for Puneri Paltan’s attack. His eventual return will undoubtedly add more firepower to the team as they look to sustain their title charge.

Puneri Paltan’s campaign in PKL 12 so far

Puneri Paltan’s emphatic win over U Mumba has lifted them to second place in the PKL 12 standings. Their record now reads five wins and two losses from seven matches, with an impressive score difference of 37 — the best in the league so far. Only unbeaten Dabang Delhi are ahead of them in the table.

Pune’s campaign has seen them edge past Bengaluru Bulls, dominate Gujarat Giants, and overpower Bengal Warriors before being held to a dramatic draw by Dabang Delhi. However, they stumbled against Patna Pirates and UP Yoddhas in the first leg. Since then, they have bounced back strongly in the Jaipur leg, beating Telugu Titans 39-33 and crushing U Mumba 40-22 in the derby.

With such form, Puneri Paltan look well-positioned to challenge for the top spot. If they can welcome Aditya Shinde back to full fitness soon, they could prove to be one of the toughest teams to stop this season.

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