PKL 9: Bengaluru Bulls full squad for new season

Coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat's guidance will be crucial for the build up of the team.

Bengaluru Bulls have been one of the most consistent sides in the Pro Kabaddi League. They have made the playoffs four times and have appeared in two finals, winning the league once in 2018. Under the tutelage of the kingmaker Randhir Singh Sehrawat, many youngsters have become household names after one season under the guidance of the legendary coach. Here is their squad composition post the auctions.

Raiders

Vikash Kandola

The Haryana Steelers captain will call Bengaluru Bulls his home after being signed for ₹1.70 crores, becoming the second most expensive auction buy and the costliest ever for the Bulls. The flamboyant left raider will have to take over Pawan Sehrawat’s duties as the main raider and will look to continue the rich form he showed for Railways in the 69th Kabaddi Nationals over to the PKL.

Vikash has posted over 150 raid points in the last three PKL seasons and is a prime captaincy candidate due to his maturity, despite his tender age of 24. He has a total of 25 Super 10s under his belt already.

Bharat Naresh

The left, right raider won 115 raid points from only 196 raids during his debut season for the Bulls, prompting him to be retained as an Existing New Young Player. Also, a capable tackler from both ins, Bharat’s composure and do-or-die raid prowess make him a threat on the mat. He will have a much bigger role as a second raider and will certainly be up for the challenge.

More GB

Having More GB’s name in the raiding unit is deceptive after he was converted to a lethal super tackle specialist off the bench last season. The ‘Kabaddi Commando’ was retained under the Elite Retained Players category prior to the auctions and will be a crucial figure in the starting 7 as an all-rounder from this season. It will be interesting to see how coach Randhir Sehrawat utilizes his newfound defensive abilities.

Neeraj Narwal

The Bengaluru Bulls shelled out ₹43 lakhs for Neeraj Narwal. Another left, right raider that has been intensively scouted, Neeraj stepped in for the injured Naveen Kumar, earning 45 points from 97 raids last season.

Harmanjeet Singh

A part of the Gujarat Giants setup in the past seasons, Harmanjeet made his debut in 2019, bagging six raid points from 14 raids. Despite the Giants’ raiding difficulties in Season 8, Harmanjeet was not a regular starter, making just one appearance. He grabbed eyeballs with his raiding versatility during the Gotegaon Kabaddi championships.

Nageshor Tharu

The Nepalese international is one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the country. He is yet to make his PKL debut.

Lal Mohar Yadav

Another Nepalese international returns to the Bengaluru Bulls fold after being a part of the unit in Season 7.

Defenders

Saurabh Nandal

The rapidly improving right corner has breached the 50 points mark for the Bulls in the last two seasons. He finished third in the tackle points table last season with 69, resulting in him being retained as a young player.

Mahender Singh

A pillar of the Bulls’ defensive setup, the left cover was retained as an Elite Player for Season 9. He has been a part of the team since Season 5 and although his value has fallen drastically from ₹80 lakhs in Season 7 to ₹28.80 lakhs this season, he ended Season 8 positively.

Mayur Kadam

The young right cover from Maharashtra was backed despite a poor start to his PKL career. The Bengaluru-based club have relied on his potential, retaining him as an elite player. With more experience under his belt, the defender will look to cement his place this season.

Aman

The enterprising left corner burst onto the scene last year, impressing with 54 points in 23 matches. He was retained as a Franchisee Nominated New Young Player and will be a defensive pillar for many seasons to come.

Rajnesh

The player remains a part of the franchisee, being retained as a Nominated New Young Player and will add depth to the Bulls’ defence.

Yash Hooda

A franchisee-nominated New Young Player, Yash Hooda will target some first-team minutes this season.

Vinod Naik

The existing new young player will look to add to the bench strength.

Rohit Kumar

The defender made seven appearances for UP Yoddha in season 5 and has been retained as an existing new young player.

All-Rounders

Sachin Narwal

Previously a part of the Jaipur Pink Panthers in Seasons 7 and 8, Sachin Narwal shifts bases to the Bulls after being sold for ₹10 lakhs. He has 65 raid points from 31 matches, with a decent strike rate of 69.7%. He has been a steady performer for Services in the Nationals too.

Rahul Khatik

The player is set to make his PKL debut after being sold to the Bulls in the auctions.