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The Bengaluru Bulls, champions of Season 6, are gearing up for a fresh campaign in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 11. After failing to qualify for the playoffs last season, the team has undergone a renewal with some exciting additions in the PKL 11 auction. Under the leadership of head coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat, the Bulls are banking on a strong squad to make a deep run this season.
One of the major headlines ahead of PKL 11 is the return of "Record Breaker" Pardeep Narwal, who will don the Bengaluru Bulls jersey after his brief stint with the team in Season 2. With a revamped roster and new energy, here's a look at the Bulls' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the upcoming season.
Strengths - A fierce raiding unit
Bengaluru Bulls will be led by Pardeep Narwal, arguably the most accomplished raider in PKL history. The Bulls secured Pardeep in the auction for INR 70 lakh, making him the focal point of their raiding department. Known for breaking records, Pardeep will aim to return to his best form this season.
The Bulls further strengthened their raiding unit by adding Ajinkya Pawar for a whopping INR 1.107 crore, making him their highest-paid player at the PKL 11 auction. Pawar, with 454 raid points in 92 matches, brings speed and agility to support Pardeep in attack.
Additionally, the Bulls signed Jai Bhagwan for INR 63 lakh. Bhagwan, who scored 122 raid points in just 32 games last season, will add depth to their raiding lineup. Bulls also retained Sushil and Akshit, who were impressive last season. Sushil amassed 100 points in just 16 games, while Akshit proved to be a valuable wild card with 61 points in 10 games.
Weaknesses - Lack of defensive power
While the Bulls boast a potent raiding unit, their defense remains a concern. The only experienced defender in their squad is Saurabh Nandal, who has been a consistent performer since making his debut with the Bulls in Season 7. Nandal, a right-corner defender, has collected 246 tackle points in 92 games at an impressive average of 2.67 tackles per match.
However, the rest of the defense lacks experience. Parteek, Arulnanthababu, and Rohit Kumar have only competed in one season of PKL each, and while they show potential, they still need to prove themselves at the highest level.
The Bulls did secure the services of former U Mumba captain Surinder Singh, a seasoned left cover defender with 269 tackle points in 119 matches. Surinder is an aggressive defender but is prone to giving away free points at times. His experience will be crucial, but the defense as a whole remains relatively raw and could be a weak point for the Bulls.
Opportunities - Redemption and proving potential
PKL 11 presents a golden opportunity for both the experienced and young players in the Bengaluru Bulls squad. Pardeep Narwal, who has not been at his peak in recent seasons, has a chance to redeem himself and once again showcase his raiding brilliance.
Surinder Singh, another player looking for a fresh start, will be eager to prove his worth after some inconsistent performances in the past. His role in bolstering the Bulls’ defense will be critical.
Nitin Rawal, an all-rounder with significant experience, will be making a comeback after missing last season due to injury. With 142 raid points and 94 tackle points in 81 games, Rawal has the ability to contribute on both ends of the mat and will be a key player to watch.
The young defenders also have an opportunity to step up and establish themselves as reliable assets in the team. If they can rise to the occasion, Bengaluru Bulls could surprise everyone with a well-rounded performance.
Threats - Pardeep Narwal’s form and defensive depth
One of the biggest threats to the Bengaluru Bulls' success in PKL 11 is Pardeep Narwal's form. Although he is a record-breaking raider, his performance has dipped in recent seasons. If Pardeep fails to regain his form, it could severely hamper the Bulls' chances of making a deep run in the tournament.
Another major concern is the lack of defensive depth. While Saurabh Nandal has been a consistent performer, the Bengaluru Bulls do not have a strong backup option in case of injury. This lack of defensive stability could expose the team, especially against stronger offensive sides.
