Bengaluru Bulls PKL 12 Auction Strategy
The Bengaluru Bulls are gearing up for a fresh start in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 after a disappointing performance in PKL 11. Finishing last in the points table, the Bulls faced a tough season despite investing heavily in big-name raiders like Ajinkya Pawar and Pardeep Narwal. However, both players failed to deliver, leaving the team in need of a major overhaul. For PKL 12, the Bulls have made bold moves, including releasing their top players and appointing a new head coach, BC Ramesh. With a potentially large salary purse, the Bengaluru Bulls are ready to dominate the PKL 12 auction.
A Disappointing Season Sparks Big Changes
Last season was a low point for the Bengaluru Bulls, as they finished at the bottom of the PKL 11 points table. Despite spending big on raiders like Ajinkya Pawar and Pardeep Narwal, the team struggled to find consistency. Their star players underperformed, and the team lacked the balance needed to compete with top teams like Puneri Paltan and Patna Pirates. As a result, the Bulls decided to release all their big-name players ahead of the PKL 12 auction, giving them a clean slate to rebuild.
In addition, the Bulls parted ways with their long-time coach, Randhir Singh Sehrawat, who had been with the team since the league’s inception in 2014. This move signals a new direction for the franchise. With BC Ramesh, a local coach with a proven track record, now leading the team, the Bulls are ready to make smart moves in the PKL 12 auction. Their large salary purse gives them the flexibility to target top players and build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
New Leadership: BC Ramesh Takes Charge
The appointment of BC Ramesh as head coach is a major step for the Bengaluru Bulls. Ramesh, an Arjuna Awardee, has a history of success with his previous teams, including Puneri Paltan and UP Yoddhas. Known for his ability to nurture young talent and turn them into stars, Ramesh brings a fresh perspective to the Bulls. His experience and local connection make him a fan favorite, and expectations are high for PKL 12.
Ramesh’s coaching style focuses on building a balanced team with strong raiding and defensive units. With a large salary purse, he has the opportunity to make big purchases in the PKL 12 auction. Fans are excited to see how he shapes the team, especially after last season’s struggles. His strategy will likely focus on finding a star raider to lead the team and strengthening the defense to create a well-rounded squad.
Targeting a Star Raider
One of the Bengaluru Bulls’ top priorities in the PKL 12 auction is to find a star raider who can consistently outplay the opposition. Teams that win the Pro Kabaddi League often have a standout player who can change the game single-handedly. For the Bulls, this player could be Pawan Sehrawat, their former captain who led them to their only PKL title in Season 6.
Pawan Sehrawat is expected to be a primary target in the PKL 12 auction. His raiding skills and leadership make him one of the best players in the league, with over 1,200 raid points in his career. The Bulls are likely to go all-out to bring him back, as his presence would reduce the pressure on younger players and provide a reliable scoring option. With their large salary purse, the Bulls have the financial power to compete for Pawan, even if other teams like Telugu Titans or Haryana Steelers bid aggressively.
Another exciting option for the Bulls is Mohammadreza Shadloui, the Iranian all-rounder who worked with Coach Ramesh at Puneri Paltan in Season 10. Shadloui’s versatility as both a raider and defender makes him a valuable asset. His ability to score points in both roles could give the Bulls the edge they need in PKL 12. By targeting a star like Pawan or Shadloui, the Bulls aim to build a strong raiding unit that can dominate opponents.
Using the FBM Card Wisely
The Final Bid Match (FBM) card is a key tool for the Bengaluru Bulls in the PKL 12 auction. This card allows the team to match the highest bid for a player they previously released, giving them a chance to bring back familiar faces at a competitive price. Two players stand out as potential FBM targets: Nitin Rawal and Saurabh Nandal.
Nitin Rawal was a bright spot for the Bulls in PKL 11, emerging as one of the top defenders in the league with 74 tackle points in 22 games. His versatility as an all-rounder makes him a valuable player, and the Bulls are likely to use the FBM card to secure him. Similarly, Saurabh Nandal, who spent five seasons with the Bulls, is another strong candidate. As a reliable corner defender, Nandal’s experience could stabilize the team’s defense.
By using the FBM card wisely, the Bulls can retain key players like Nitin and Saurabh at affordable prices. This strategy would free up their salary purse to make big moves for other top players in the PKL 12 auction.
Building a Strong Defense
Defense was a major weakness for the Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 11, and addressing this issue is a top priority for PKL 12. While Nitin Rawal performed well, the team lacked consistency in their defensive unit. To fix this, the Bulls are likely to target experienced cover defenders who can work alongside Nitin and Saurabh to create a solid defensive line.
Two familiar names, Mahender Singh and Surjeet Singh, could be ideal additions. Both players have previously played for the Bulls and bring a wealth of experience to the mat. Mahender Singh is known for his strong tackles, while Surjeet Singh’s ability to lead the defense makes him a valuable target. Another option is Sanket Sawant, who worked with Coach Ramesh in the past. Sawant’s reliability as a cover defender could help the Bulls shut down opposing raiders.
By adding one or two experienced defenders, the Bulls can create a balanced team that excels in both raiding and defense. A strong defensive unit will be crucial for the Bulls to compete against top teams in PKL 12.
Investing in Young Talent
In addition to targeting star players, the Bengaluru Bulls are likely to invest in young talent during the PKL 12 auction. Coach BC Ramesh has a reputation for nurturing young players and turning them into stars. By adding promising youngsters to the squad, the Bulls can build a team that is competitive now and in the future.
Players like Devank Dalal, who topped the raiding charts in PKL 11 with 301 raid points, could be a great fit. His speed and agility make him a dangerous raider, and he could thrive under Ramesh’s guidance. The Bulls could also look for young defenders to complement their experienced signings, ensuring a mix of youth and experience in the squad.
Challenges in the PKL 12 Auction
The PKL 12 auction, scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, will be highly competitive. With stars like Pawan Sehrawat, Mohammadreza Shadloui, Naveen Kumar, and Arjun Deshwal available, bidding wars are expected. Teams like Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, and Telugu Titans will also have large salary purses, making it challenging for the Bulls to secure their top targets.
Additionally, the Bulls’ decision to release all their big-name players carries some risk. If they fail to sign a star raider or key defenders, they could struggle to improve on last season’s performance. However, with Coach Ramesh’s expertise and a large salary purse, the Bulls are well-equipped to navigate these challenges and build a strong team.
The Bengaluru Bulls are entering the PKL 12 auction with a clear plan to rebuild after a disappointing Season 11. Under the leadership of new head coach BC Ramesh, the Bulls aim to find a star raider like Pawan Sehrawat or Mohammadreza Shadloui to lead their attack. They also plan to use the FBM card to retain players like Nitin Rawal and Saurabh Nandal while targeting experienced defenders like Mahender Singh, Surjeet Singh, or Sanket Sawant. By investing in young talent, the Bulls are building a team for both the present and the future.
With the PKL 12 auction just around the corner, fans are eager to see how the Bulls’ strategy unfolds. Will they reclaim their former captain and build a playoff-contending team? With a smart approach and a strong coach, the Bengaluru Bulls are ready to make a big impact in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.
FAQs
1. Why did Bengaluru Bulls release their top players for the PKL 12 auction?
The Bengaluru Bulls released their top players to free up their salary purse, allowing them to bid for star players and build a balanced team for PKL 12.
2. Who are the Bengaluru Bulls’ top targets in the PKL 12 auction?
The Bulls are likely to target star raiders like Pawan Sehrawat and Mohammadreza Shadloui, as well as experienced defenders like Mahender Singh, Surjeet Singh, and Sanket Sawant.
3. How will BC Ramesh’s coaching impact the Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 12?
BC Ramesh, an Arjuna Awardee coach, brings experience and a knack for developing young talent. His leadership will help the Bulls build a competitive team for the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.
