PKL 2021: From Manninder Singh to K Prapanjan, 6 probable retentions for defending champions Bengal Warriors ahead of PKL auctions – Defending champions Bengal Warriors will kick start their title defence in Pro Kabaddi League 2021 (PKL 2021) with the first step of PKL auction taking place on August 29-31. Under the leadership of Manninder Singh Warriors won their first-ever PKL title last year. Manninder Singh will be on the top of the retention list of Warriors. Defender Baldev Singh, who gathered the highest tackle points for Warriors last season is also likely to be retained.
Friends who win together, stay together 🧡💙#AamarWarriors #FriendshipDay pic.twitter.com/ZJ0MegM7lK
— Bengal Warriors (@BengalWarriors) August 1, 2021
Before going into the auction, the PKL teams are also expected to exercise their choice of retention of PKL Season 7 squads as per the league policies. For each PKL Season, teams are allowed to retain up to six players under the Elite Retained Players category and up to six New Young Players (NYPs) under stipulated conditions.
We at Insidesport will take you through six players that Bengal Warriors might retain ahead of the auction.
Manninder Singh
Manninder Singh is one of the first retentions that Bengal win wants to take. With him, they are getting a superb captain as well as an outstanding raider. In the seventh season, he played all 20 matches for his team in which he gathered 205 points at an average of 10.25. Manninder is known for his ability to outsmart defenders and his calculated manoeuvres that leave defenders bamboozled.
K Prapanjan
Akkha public ko malum hai aage kya hone wala hai! 😜#AamarWarriors pic.twitter.com/JZObrOmTqO
— Bengal Warriors (@BengalWarriors) August 13, 2021
Every PKL team will bid for a raider whose height is 6.1 feet. K Prapanjan will be one of the hottest picks if he is sending in the auction. However, it is most likely that Prapanjan will be retained as played 20 matches last season where he scored 105 points. In season 7 he scored four super raids and he has the ability to change the game on its head. A mature raider, he is particularly effective in Do-or-Die raid situations and was the 8th most successful raider in Season 5.
Sukesh Hegde
Just some Warriors on your timeline to begin your day on a high 🧡💙#AamarWarriors pic.twitter.com/vAHTPS30aU
— Bengal Warriors (@BengalWarriors) August 9, 2021
Another big name in the Pro Kabaddi League, Sukesh Hegde. Karnataka-native Sukesh Hegde spent the first four seasons of Pro Kabaddi with Telugu Titans. He was a consistent scorer for the Titans, scoring 209 raid points in 49 matches. He got to explore his leadership ability when he was picked by Gujarat Fortunegiants as their captain for their maiden campaign in Season 5 before moving to the Season 7 title-winning Bengal Warriors team. Hegde has a not out percentage of 84 in the history of PKL.
Jeeva Kumar
Veteran PKL defender Jeeva Kumar handles right and left cover. His diversity in defence is a key factor in his success in PKL. Kumar has earned a reputation for being a master of the Super Tackle with his ability to remain calm in pressure situations and tackle raiders with minimal support. Jeeva was the highest-scoring defender in the Season 7 final which his team won.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi League 2021: Player auction for PKL Season 8 to take place on August 29-31
Rinku Narwal
Young Rinku Narwal has emerged as one of the best defenders in PKL in the last few seasons. Rinku has played 51 matches in PKL in which he scored 107 points at a brilliant not out percentage of 88.88 %. Narwal was a vital clog in the Warrier side when they won PKL 7 as he scored 133 tackle points in 23 matches.
Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibaksh
Pehchan kaun? 🕺#AamarWarriors pic.twitter.com/yB5udv8w4b
— Bengal Warriors (@BengalWarriors) August 11, 2021
Nabibaksh added the much needed Iranian flavour in the Bengal Warriorer teams with 122 points in 23 matches the all-rounder scored 92 in attack while 65 points in defence. His not out percentage is 81.46 %.
