PKL 11: What's going wrong for Bengal Warriorz in Pro Kabaddi 2024?

Bengal Warriorz are in the second last spot in the PKL 11 points table.

The Bengal Warriorz were deemed as serious title-contenders for Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) but now are struggling to find their footing in PKL 11. Currently positioned near the bottom of the points table with only three wins, eight losses, and two draws from 13 matches, their season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster.

They started strong in PKL 11 with wins over teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers and UP Yoddhas, but an alarming eight-match losing streak has thrown their campaign into chaos. As they gear up to face Tamil Thalaivas in the last match of the Noida leg of PKL 11, let us take a detailed look at what seems to be going wrong for the season 7 champions.

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Lack of attacking options and over-reliance on Maninder Singh

One of the Bengal Warriorz’s biggest problems is their heavy reliance on Maninder Singh. The legendary raider has been the backbone of the team for years, but his performances have started to decline. With 198 points last season, down from his earlier highs, it’s clear that the 34-year-old is feeling the weight of his years.

Adding to their woes, Maninder missed crucial games this season due to an injury, during which the Warriorz struggled to stay competitive. While players like Nitin and Vishwas have stepped up in patches, they lack the consistency and firepower needed to support Maninder.

No impactful all-rounder

Another glaring issue for Bengal Warriorz is the absence of quality all-rounders in the squad. Successful teams in the PKL often rely on versatile players to provide balance, but the Warriorz have just one recognized all-rounder, Sagar Kumar.

Unfortunately, Sagar has yet to make an impact, with only seven tackle points in his career. Without a dependable all-rounder, the Warriorz have struggled to maintain a balanced lineup, leaving gaps in both attack and defence.

Inconsistency in defence

Defensively, the Warriorz have been frustratingly inconsistent. While there have been occasional flashes of brilliance in the presence of their captain and Iranian powerhouse Fazel Atrachali, their inability to hold firm in critical moments has cost them dearly. Several matches that could have ended in their favour slipped through their fingers because of defensive lapses.

If the Bengal Warriorz hope to salvage their season, they must address these glaring issues immediately. Maninder needs stronger support from his teammates, especially in the raiding department, and the team must bolster their defence to avoid costly errors.

For the Bengal Warriors to turn things around, they need more than just a fit Maninder. The team must develop a reliable secondary raider and strengthen their defence. Without addressing these weaknesses, the Warriors risk another disappointing season, far from the glory they achieved in Season 7. Time is running out, and the Warriors need to act fast to salvage their PKL 11 campaign as they head to the third and final leg in Pune before the playoffs.

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