PKL 12: Star all-rounder joins Bengaluru Bulls squad ahead of Pro Kabaddi 2025

Bengaluru Bulls have formed a team of young players for PKL 12.

The Pro Kabaddi League is set to return for its 12th season (PKL 12), commencing on August 29, 2025. Ahead of the upcoming season, Bengaluru Bulls have added all-rounder Jitendra Yadav to their squad.

The season-six champions announced this news through their social media handles, further strengthening their already strong defensive unit that they built in the auction. Earlier, Bengaluru’s NYP Pirati Srivatejesh was ruled out of Pro Kabaddi 2025 due to injury. Jitendra is likely to replace the injured Pirati.

Jitendra was the best defender for his former team in PKL 11

Jitendra was part of the Gujarat Giants setup for the last two years. Head Coach Ram Mehar Singh groomed him, and that became evident last year, as he was the most effective defender for the Giants. Standing in the left corner, he was bringing down the Raiders for fun.

He scored 56 tackle points last year, including seven Super tackles, which was the joint fourth-most Super tackles last season. The game against Patna Pirates was one of the highlights of his career, as he brought down the in-form Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab.

The agility he displayed in catching top raiders like Devank, Naveen Kumar, and Ashu Malik reflects his confidence. He is an asset to any franchise, and it was a surprise that the Gujarat Giants did not retain him. But the Bengaluru Bulls made no mistake by including him in the team in place of the injured Pirati.

Also Read: PKL 12: Top five best players of Bengaluru Bulls in Pro Kabaddi 2025

Bulls will depend on their defence in PKL 12

The new Head Coach of Bengaluru Bulls, BC Ramesh, has assembled a strong unit. Ankush Rathee and Yogesh Dahiya were two of the best defenders for Jaipur Pink Panthers and Dabang Delhi last season. To see this combo will be an exciting prospect.

The likes of Sanjay Dhull, Manish, and Shubham Rahate will be manning the cover positions. Jitendra might not be a definite starter, but he can be used as a super sub during a super tackle situation, and the Rajasthan boy relishes the challenge of pinning down with three or fewer defenders.

Bengaluru Bulls squad for PKL 12:

Raiders: Manjeet, Pankaj, Ganesha B. Hanamantagol (right raider), Aashish Malik (right raider), Shubham Bitake, Mahipal, Akash Shinde.

Defenders: Lucky Kumar (right cover), Deepak S (left corner), Shubham Rahate (left cover), Manish, Satyappa Matti (right cover), Ankush (left corner), Sanjay (right cover), Yogesh (right corner).

All-rounders: Chandranaik M, Amit Singh Thakur, Sahil Suhas Rane, Sachin, Ahmadreza Asgari (F), Alireza Mirzaeian (F), Dheeraj.

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