PKL Season 6 winners, Bengaluru Bulls, are aiming to make a strong comeback in PKL Season 11 and are eager to secure a spot in the playoffs. They have been in good form, having reached the playoffs in three of the last four years, but missed out in Season 10.
The Bulls have qualified for the playoffs in six out of the ten PKL seasons.
In Season 11, the Bulls will continue under the guidance of their evergreen head coach, Randhir Singh Sehrawat, who has been with the franchise since PKL’s inception and is the league’s longest-serving coach.
At the Season 11 player auction, Bengaluru Bulls put together a squad brimming with exciting talent. The addition of the “Dubki King” Pardeep Narwal is the most notable one. Their newly revamped raiding unit looks set to challenge opposing defences. Here’s a breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses as they head into the season.
Strengths: Addition of reliable raiders
The Bulls secured Pardeep Narwal for INR 70 lakhs and Ajinkya Pawar for INR 1.107 crore, bolstering their raiding power. Pardeep, the highest-scoring raider in PKL history with 1,690 raid points, and Ajinkya, who has 454 raid points, will add significant firepower to the attack.
Returning to the Bulls after a few lackluster seasons, Pardeep is determined to rediscover his form, with solid support from Ajinkya, who has averaged over 100 raid points in the last three seasons.
Weaknesses: Defensive concerns
Bengaluru Bulls’ defence remains a key area of concern for Season 11. Captain Saurabh Nandal is the only experienced defender and will lead the defence this season. With 246 tackle points in his PKL career, Saurabh will need backing from his relatively inexperienced defensive teammates.
Players like Parteek, Arulnanthababu, and Rohit Kumar, each having played only one PKL season with a combined 46 tackle points, will need to raise their game, along with Ponparthiban Subramanian, who has 40 tackle points in four seasons.
Opportunities: Nitin Rawal’s chance to shine
After missing out on Season 10 due to injury, all-rounder Nitin Rawal now has a perfect opportunity to stage a strong comeback. Known for his dual attacking and defensive skills, Nitin has accumulated 142 raid points and 94 tackle points in his PKL career.
His defensive contributions will be vital for the Bulls, especially considering their defensive weakness. Purchased for INR 13 lakhs, Nitin’s performance alongside fellow all-rounder Chandranaik M could play a crucial role in shaping the Bulls’ season. Chandranaik’s solid defence could also prove essential.
Threats: Lack of form and experience
Bengaluru Bulls’ season may largely depend on how Pardeep Narwal performs. Although he has been below par in recent campaigns, under the guidance of coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat, the Bulls hope he will regain his form.
If Pardeep hits top form, the Bulls could have a successful season. However, if he struggles, the team’s lack of a clear lead raider might become an issue. While Ajinkya Pawar, Jai Bhagwan, Sushil, and Akshit are talented, none have the experience or consistency to shoulder the responsibility of being the primary raider under pressure.
