PKL 12 Auctions: Sanjay Dhull heads to Bengaluru Bulls at 60 lakhs

Sanjay Dhull was the second-best right cover in PKL 11.

Bengaluru Bulls have signed Sanjay Dhull at a price of Rs. 60 lakhs at the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) auction. The right cover has accumulated 63 tackle points in 30 matches across two seasons, at a success rate of 44%, with three high 5s.

The PKL 12 auctions are being held in Mumbai today and tomorrow. A total of 83 players, which include 25 Elite Retained Players (ERP), 23 Retained Young Players (RYP) and 35 New Young Players (NYP), were retained prior to the event. More than 500 players are set to go under the hammer, with a maximum of 217 available slots. This is unarguably the biggest auction in recent years, with some of the biggest names currently in the world of kabaddi, including Pawan Sehrawat, Naveen Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, Devank Dalal, and Mohammadreza Shadloui, going under the hammer.

The Bengal Warriorz made the first bid at Rs. 20 lakhs, with the Bengaluru Bulls coming in next. The Jaipur Pink Panthers made a raise from Rs. 25.25 lakhs to Rs. 40 lakhs. A bidding war ensued between them and the Bulls, who then made a jump to Rs. 60 lakhs. The Panthers decided not to continue further, and no other team made a counter offer. Interestingly, the Haryana Steelers too decided to not exercise their Final Bid Match (FBM) Card.

This is a wonderful birthday gift in advance for Dhull, who turns 24 in a week’s time.

A look at Sanjay Dhull’s PKL Journey

Sanjay Dhull made his Pro Kabaddi League debut for the Patna Pirates in the tenth edition. However, he didn’t get too many opportunities, scoring six tackle points in as many matches.

When he was picked up by the Haryana Steelers in the next season, it seemed as if a similar script would follow. However, Mohit Nandal was released prior to the start of the competition, which paved an opening for Dhull’s entry into the starting 7.

Fair to say, he made full use of the opportunity, racking up 57 tackle points in 24 outings at a strike rate of 44% (two high 5s). He had the second-best number of tackle points by a right cover in the season. The Steelers topped the league table eventually lifted the title, coincidentally defeating the Pirates in the final. It is also worth noting that they had the highest number of tackle points in the season.

At a new destination now, Sanjay would be looking to prove that he is not a one-season wonder but is built for the long run.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Kabaddi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.