PKL 12: Will Ashu Malik play tonight against Puneri Paltan?

Farzan has been a sports journalist since 2020, closely following Olympic sports and kabaddi.

Published at :October 12, 2025 at 4:04 PM

Modified at :October 12, 2025 at 4:04 PM

PKL 12: Will Ashu Malik play tonight against Puneri Paltan?

Dabang Delhi are on course to lift their second PKL title.

Dabang Delhi are all set to take on Puneri Paltan in match 79 of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Sunday, October 12.

Puneri Paltan are placed second in the PKL 2025 standings with 22 points from 14 matches, including 11 wins and three losses. They have a score difference of 84 thus far in the ongoing edition of the PKL. The Pune-based franchise guaranteed a top-eight finish.

On the other hand, Dabang Delhi are placed atop the standings with 24 points and a score difference of 77 from 14 matches, courtesy of 12 wins and 2 losses. The former PKL champions have secured a place in the top 8.

The Delhi-based franchise missed the services of their skipper, Ashu Malik, for two consecutive games in the Chennai leg. With the franchise commencing their home leg today, let’s explore whether Ashu will be available for selection or not.

Will Ashu Malik play tonight?

Dabang Delhi captain Ashu Malik missed the franchise’s last two Chennai leg encounters against Bengal Warriorz and Gujarat Giants. Delhi suffered a narrow 37-36 loss against the Warriorz, which ended their five-match winning streak. But they got back to winning ways against the Gujarat Giants.

Ashu suffered a leg injury against the Haryana Steelers and was sidelined for a short period. Dabang Delhi head coach Joginder Narwal has confirmed that Ashu’s injury is minor, but he will only play once he’s 100% fit.

“Ashu’s injury is minor and nothing serious. I will only let him play if he is 100% fit; otherwise, I won’t field him,” Joginder said during the post-match press conference after their loss against Bengal Warriorz. Since the team has done well even without Ashu, the coach may rest him in this match as well.

Ashu Malik has scored 148 points (146 raid points and two tackle points) from 237 raids across 12 matches so far this season. He has seven Super Raids and seven Super 10s to his name. The star player averages 12.16 raid points per match.

In Ashu’s absence, Iranian star defender Fazel Atrachali is leading the team.

Will Ashu Malik play tonight against Puneri Paltan?

Since the team has done well even without Ashu, the coach may rest him in this match as well.

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Mohamed Farzan

Farzan is a journalist at Khel Now covering Indian Olympic sports and kabaddi. With five years of experience working with major sports organizations like Chennaiyin FC, Dabang Delhi K.C., Rajasthan Royals, and Yuva Kabaddi Series, he brings diverse expertise. Farzan has covered two Olympics, one Commonwealth Games, and one Asian Games, making his knowledge of Indian sports broad and versatile.