The new season of the Pro Kabaddi League is set to begin Today (18th October) at 8 PM. Telugu Titans will take on former champions Bengaluru Bulls at their home ground, the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex in Hyderabad, for the opening match of PKL 11.
Last season, Bengaluru Bulls finished in the eighth spot, while Telugu Titans ended up at the bottom of the table. Heading into the new season, both teams will be eager to kick off with a victory. But who will come out on top? Will it be Pardeep Narwal’s Bengaluru Bulls or Pawan Sehrawat’s Telugu Titans? Let’s explore the key players who can turn the tide in the first match of PKL 11.
1. Saurabh Nandal (Defender)
Bengaluru Bulls’ co-vice-captain Saurabh Nandal is set to be a key player for his side. As the most experienced defender in the Bulls’ squad, with 92 matches to his name, Nandal has proven himself capable of pulling off big surprises on the mat, especially in high-pressure situations. Over his PKL career, he has scored 248 points, with 49 points in the last season, along with a 50% successful tackle rate.
2. Ajinkya Pawar (Raider)
The Bengaluru Bulls made their biggest bid of ₹1.107 crores for Ajinkya Pawar, a match-winner who promises big performances. Under the mentorship of Pardeep Narwal, the most successful raider in PKL history, Ajinkya Pawar could be one of the standout raiders this season. With 484 points in 92 matches, including 133 points last season, Pawar has a 37% raid success rate and is one to watch from the very first match.
3. Pawan Sehrawat (All-rounder)
The most expensive player in PKL history, Pawan Sehrawat, will once again captain Telugu Titans. The Titans retained him for ₹1.725 crores for this season. One of the greatest raiders the league has seen, Sehrawat’s speed, power, and versatility make him a force to be reckoned with. He ranked third in total points last season, scoring 217, and he’s set to shine again in the opener against Bengaluru Bulls.
4. Vijay Malik (All-rounder)
A standout recruit for the Titans, Vijay Malik is a versatile player who excels both as a raider and a defender. Known for his clutch performances, Malik was a star for Dabang Delhi but had a quiet stint with UP Yoddhas last season. His all-round skills add balance to the Titans’ squad, and he is expected to make a significant impact in their clash against the Bulls.
5. Pardeep Narwal (Raider)
Known as the “Dubki King,” Pardeep Narwal holds the record for the most raid points in PKL history with an astounding 1690 points in 170 matches. Under the guidance of his former coach Randhir Singh Sherawat, fans are hoping to see the vintage Pardeep Narwal back in action, ready to lead his team to victory, starting with the opening match of the season.
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