New Delhi [India], September 19 (ANI): The Bengaluru Bulls, champions of Season 6 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), are eager to reclaim the coveted title after falling short in the last four campaigns. Despite their consistent performance, making the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, they missed out on a playoff berth in Season 10.

In the history of PKL, the Bengaluru Bulls have reached the playoffs six times out of ten seasons, highlighting their competitive edge. Their solitary PKL triumph came in Season 6, and they also finished as runners-up in Season 2. With four other playoff appearances, they have demonstrated a knack for high-stakes matches. As Season 11 approaches, head coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat, who has been with the franchise since its inception and holds the record as the league’s longest-serving coach, will once again lead the team.

During the Season 11 Player Auction, the Bengaluru Bulls made strategic moves to enhance their squad. They secured Pardeep Narwal for Rs 70 lakhs and Ajinkya Pawar for Rs 1.107 crores, significantly bolstering their raiding unit. Pardeep Narwal, the highest-scoring raider in PKL history with 1,690 raid points, aims to return to top form after a few underwhelming seasons. Ajinkya Pawar, known for his consistent performance with an average of over 100 raid points in the last three seasons, is expected to provide strong support.

The acquisition of Jai Bhagwan for Rs 63 lakhs adds another exciting dimension to their attack. With 122 raid points in two seasons, Bhagwan is eager to make a significant impact. Retained raiders like Sushil and Akshit further strengthen the team’s offensive capabilities. Sushil recorded 100 raid points last season, while Akshit contributed with 61 raid points.

Defensively, the spotlight will be on Captain Surabh Nandal, the only established defender in the squad. Nandal, who has amassed 246 tackle points in his PKL career, will lead a relatively inexperienced defensive lineup. Supporting him will be Parteek, Arulnanthababu, and Rohit Kumar, who collectively have 46 tackle points from one season each. Ponparthiban Subramanian, with 40 tackle points over four seasons, will also need to step up.

All-rounder Nitin Rawal, who missed Season 10 due to injury, presents an intriguing prospect for the upcoming campaign. Known for his versatility and explosive gameplay, Rawal has accumulated 142 raid points and 94 tackle points in his career. His defensive prowess will be crucial for the Bengaluru Bulls as they navigate their defensive challenges. Bought for Rs 13 lacs at the Player Auction, Rawal’s performance alongside fellow all-rounder Chandranaik M could be pivotal. Chandranaik M is known for his robust tackling abilities and will play a vital role in shoring up the defense.

A significant factor in the Bengaluru Bulls’ success will be Pardeep Narwal’s form. Dubbed the “Dubki King,” Narwal has struggled in recent seasons but hopes to regain his peak performance under head coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat’s guidance. Should Pardeep find his form, the Bulls can anticipate a strong season. However, if he falters, the team may face challenges due to the lack of a clear primary raider. While Ajinkya Pawar, Jai Bhagwan, Sushil, and Akshit have shown promise, they lack the experience of being lead raiders under pressure.

In summary, the Bengaluru Bulls’ fate in Season 11 hinges on several key factors: the resurgence of Pardeep Narwal, the cohesive performance of their raiding unit, and the ability of their defense to rise to the occasion. With strategic acquisitions and experienced leadership, they aim to reclaim their former glory and emerge as strong contenders for the PKL title.