Puneri Paltan Report Card: PKL Season 12 Review – A Brilliant Campaign That Fell Just Short of the Title

Puneri Paltan proved why they are one of the strongest teams in the Pro Kabaddi League. After winning the PKL title in Season 10 and continuing their dominance in Season 11, the Pune-based franchise delivered another exceptional campaign in PKL Season 12, finishing as the Runners-up after a remarkable journey. Led by Aslam Inamdar, Puneri Paltan showcased consistency, tactical brilliance, and one of the most balanced squads in the league. Although they narrowly missed lifting another trophy, their performances throughout the season reaffirmed their status as a championship-caliber team.

Puneri Paltan's Season at a Glance

Puneri Paltan played 21 matches, winning 14 and losing 7, collecting 28 league points to finish 1st in the standings at the end of the league stage. Their ability to perform consistently throughout the season helped them secure a direct route into the playoffs, where they once again reached the final. However, despite an impressive campaign, they finished the season as Runners-up, falling just one step short of another PKL title.

Aditya Shinde Emerged as the Team's Biggest Raider

One of the biggest positives for Puneri Paltan this season was the emergence of Aditya Shinde. The young raider finished as the team's leading scorer with 159 raid points in just 18 matches, becoming the primary attacking force. His fearless raiding style, quick footwork, and ability to score under pressure made him one of the standout performers of PKL Season 12. Alongside him, Pankaj Mohite contributed 118 raid points and provided valuable support whenever the team needed experienced performances.

Captain Aslam Inamdar once again played the role of an all-round leader. Despite missing a few matches, he scored 57 raid points while also making significant defensive contributions, proving why he remains one of the most complete players in Indian kabaddi. Sachin Tanwar and Stuwart Singh also chipped in with important raids whenever opportunities arose, giving Puneri Paltan impressive depth in their raiding department.

A Strong Defensive Unit Throughout the Season

Puneri Paltan's success was not built only on raiding.Their defensive unit consistently delivered throughout the season, with Gaurav Khatri leading the way after collecting 62 tackle points, making him one of the best defenders in the league. He received excellent support from Gurdeep Sangwan, who finished with 42 tackle points, while Vishal Bhardwaj and Abhinesh Nadarajan both added 35 tackle points each. Captain Aslam Inamdar also contributed 19 tackle points, highlighting his value as a genuine all-rounder capable of influencing both attack and defense. The balanced defensive performances allowed Puneri Paltan to remain competitive in almost every match throughout the season.

Aslam Inamdar's Leadership Continues to Impress

Although Puneri Paltan could not lift the trophy, Aslam Inamdar once again proved himself as one of the finest captains in the Pro Kabaddi League. His calm decision-making, trust in young players, and ability to rotate his raiding options made Puneri one of the most tactically disciplined teams in the competition. The team rarely depended on a single superstar, with different players stepping up throughout the tournament—a reflection of Aslam's leadership philosophy.

Areas Where Puneri Paltan Fell Short

Despite dominating the league stage, Puneri Paltan couldn't convert their outstanding season into a championship. A few crucial moments in the knockout stages, along with missed opportunities under pressure, proved costly. The team occasionally lacked finishing consistency in high-pressure situations, something they will look to improve before the next season. However, these shortcomings do little to overshadow what was another outstanding campaign.

Final Verdict

Puneri Paltan's PKL Season 12 can be considered another successful chapter in the franchise's journey. Finishing first in the league stage, reaching the final, producing standout performers like Aditya Shinde, and maintaining one of the league's strongest defensive units demonstrate the team's consistency and long-term vision. With a young core, experienced leadership under Aslam Inamdar, and several emerging stars, Puneri Paltan remain one of the strongest contenders to challenge for the PKL Season 13 title.