Why Naveen Kumar Missed Haryana Steelers’ Clash Against Patna Pirates

Haryana Steelers’ star raider Naveen Kumar missed the PKL 12 clash against Patna Pirates due to a left knee injury sustained during the match against Bengaluru Bulls. Despite traveling with the team to Jaipur, he was unfit to play. Haryana, with three wins from five matches, are struggling to balance raiding and defense, relying on individual brilliance in crucial games.

After the Haryana Steelers faced the Patna Pirates in PKL Season 12, a major concern emerged as star raider Naveen Kumar was sidelined due to a left knee injury. He sustained the injury during the match against Bengaluru Bulls in the Vizag leg when he fell awkwardly while raiding, leaving him unable to participate in the crucial Jaipur clash. Despite traveling with the team, Naveen’s fitness was insufficient for the game, with head coach Manpreet Singh confirming that his return could take one to two weeks, potentially happening within five to seven days if recovery progresses smoothly.

The absence of Naveen Kumar created a significant gap in the Steelers’ raiding unit, putting extra pressure on the team’s balance between attack and defense. Haryana had started PKL 12 with a 54-44 loss to Bengal Warriorz but quickly recovered with wins against U Mumba and UP Yoddhas. However, their momentum was interrupted by a defeat to Bengaluru Bulls before a narrow 40-37 victory over Gujarat Giants placed them eighth on the points table, with three wins from five matches.

Without Naveen, the defense has struggled for consistency, relying heavily on individual brilliance rather than a coordinated unit. The Steelers’ playing seven against Patna included Shivam Patare, Vinay, Hardeep, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Sahil Narwal, and Neeraj Kumar, supported by substitutes Rahul Ahri, Ghanshyam Magar, Ritik Radheyshyam, Jaya Soorya, Vishal Tate, Mayank Saini, and Ankit Dhull.