PKL 12: Bengal Warriorz Squad Analysis for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is just around the corner, and the Bengal Warriorz are ready to fight for the title. The winner of PKL Season 7, Warriorz had a disappointing 10th-place finish in Season 11. However, the team has made bold changes for PKL 12. With a revamped squad, a new head coach, and a mix of young talent and experienced players, the Bengal Warriorz are aiming for a playoff spot.
The Bengal Warriorz have undergone significant changes for PKL Season 12. After parting ways with their former head coach, Prashant Surve, the team appointed Naveen Kumar as the new head coach. Additionally, Praveen Malik joins as the assistant coach. The team was active in the PKL 12 Player Auction, making strategic additions to build a balanced squad. Notably, they spent a massive INR 2.205 crore to sign Devank Dalal, the standout raider from Season 11. The team also let go of their long-time star, Maninder Singh, signaling a new era for the franchise.
The Bengal Warriorz squad for PKL 12 consists of 22 players, including raiders, defenders, and all-rounders. Let’s break down the squad and analyze their key strengths and weaknesses.
Bengal Warriorz Full Squad for PKL 12
The Bengal Warriorz squad for PKL Season 12 includes a mix of experienced players and young talent. Here is the complete list:
- Raiders: Devank Dalal, Vishwas S, Sushil Kambrekar, Manprit, Rachit Yadav, Himanshu Narwal, Jang Kun Lee, Omid Mohammadshah, Punit Kumar
- Defenders: Nitesh Kumar, Mayur Kadam, Manjeet, Deep Kumar, Yash Malik, Parteek, Amandeep Kajal, Ankit, Harander, Ashish, Sandeep Saini
- All-Rounders: Moolchand Marko, Shivansh Thakur
Strengths of Bengal Warriorz in PKL 12
The biggest strength of the Bengal Warriorz for PKL Season 12 lies in their raiding unit. The team made headlines by signing Devank Dalal, who was the top raider in PKL Season 11 with 301 raid points in 25 matches. His ability to lead the attack and score consistently makes him a key player for the Warriorz. Additionally, the team welcomed back Jang Kun Lee, a seasoned raider from South Korea who has previously played for the franchise. His experience adds depth to the raiding department.
Moreover, the Bengal Warriorz have retained Vishwas S, who showed promise in Season 11. Young raiders like Sushil Kambrekar, Manprit, Rachit Yadav, Himanshu Narwal, Punit Kumar, and Iran’s Omid Mohammadshah provide additional options. This variety ensures the team has plenty of firepower, even if injuries or form issues arise.
On the defensive side, Nitesh Kumar and Mayur Kadam are the anchors. Nitesh, with 409 tackle points in his PKL career, brings leadership and experience to the squad. Mayur Kadam, with 33 tackle points in Season 11, is a reliable right cover defender. Together, they form a solid foundation for the defensive unit.
Weaknesses of Bengal Warriorz in PKL 12
Despite their strong raiding unit, the Bengal Warriorz face challenges in their defensive lineup. While Nitesh Kumar and Mayur Kadam are experienced, the rest of the defensive unit appears relatively inexperienced. Players like Yash Malik, Ashish Malik, Manjeet, Deep Kumar, Parteek, Amandeep Kajal, Ankit, Harander, and Sandeep Saini are yet to prove themselves consistently at the PKL level. This lack of depth in defense could be a concern, especially against teams with strong raiders.
Another weakness is the limited number of all-rounders. The squad includes only two recognized all-rounders: Moolchand Marko and Shivansh Thakur. Successful PKL teams often rely on versatile all-rounders to provide balance, but the Bengal Warriorz may struggle in this area. If these players fail to contribute effectively in both raiding and defense, the team could face difficulties in maintaining a balanced starting seven.
Opportunities for Bengal Warriorz in PKL 12
The Bengal Warriorz have several opportunities to shine in PKL Season 12. Firstly, the team’s young raiders, such as Vishwas S, Sushil Kambrekar, and Himanshu Narwal, have a chance to make a name for themselves. With Devank Dalal leading the attack, these players can learn from his experience and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Additionally, the appointment of Naveen Kumar as head coach brings fresh energy to the team. Naveen, a former player with a successful track record, has coached national and domestic teams, including the Indian Navy and Sports Authority of India. His tactical knowledge and ability to nurture young talent could help the Warriorz maximize their potential.
Furthermore, the team’s mix of international players, like Jang Kun Lee and Omid Mohammadshah. Their experience in different kabaddi environments could help the Warriorz adapt to various playing styles and strategies.
Challenges for Bengal Warriorz in PKL 12
The Bengal Warriorz face several challenges in PKL Season 12. One major concern is their reliance on key players like Devank Dalal, Nitesh Kumar, and Mayur Kadam. If these players suffer injuries or a dip in form, the team may struggle to find replacements of the same quality. This lack of depth could hinder their chances of a top-six finish.
Moreover, the departure of Maninder Singh, a talismanic raider who led the team to the Season 7 title, is a significant loss. His leadership and raiding ability were crucial to the team’s success, and filling his shoes will be a tough task for the new-look squad.
Another challenge is the inexperience in the defensive unit. While Nitesh Kumar and Mayur Kadam provide stability, the younger defenders will need to step up quickly to compete against seasoned raiders from opposing teams. Without proper coordination, the defense could become a weak link.
Key Players to Watch in PKL 12
Several players in the Bengal Warriorz squad are likely to play a crucial role in PKL Season 12. Devank Dalal is undoubtedly the player to watch, given his stellar performance in Season 11. His ability to score raid points consistently will be vital for the team’s success. Nitesh Kumar, with his vast experience, will anchor the defense and guide the younger players. Mayur Kadam’s performance as a right cover defender will also be critical in strengthening the defensive unit.
Among the younger players, Vishwas S has the potential to emerge as a breakout star. His raiding skills showed promise in Season 11, and with more opportunities, he could make a significant impact. Jang Kun Lee’s return adds an element of experience, and his performance will be key in supporting Devank Dalal in the raiding department.
Strategy for PKL 12
Under the guidance of Naveen Kumar, the Bengal Warriorz are focusing on a balanced approach. Naveen has emphasized the importance of combining young talent with experienced players to create a competitive squad. His experience as a player and coach, coupled with his knowledge of the Indian kabaddi ecosystem, will help the team develop effective strategies.
The team’s strategy will likely revolve around maximizing their raiding strength while improving defensive coordination. With Devank Dalal leading the attack, the Warriorz will aim to dominate raids and score quick points. On the defensive end, Nitesh Kumar and Mayur Kadam will need to work closely with the younger defenders to ensure a solid performance.
The Bengal Warriorz are entering PKL Season 12 with a renewed sense of purpose. Their strong raiding unit, led by Devank Dalal and supported by players like Jang Kun Lee and Vishwas S, gives them a significant advantage. However, their relatively inexperienced defensive unit and limited all-rounders could pose challenges. With Naveen Kumar at the helm, the team has the potential to overcome these hurdles and make a strong push for the playoffs. As the season unfolds, the Bengal Warriorz will look to capitalize on their opportunities and bring back the glory of their Season 7 championship.
FAQs About Bengal Warriorz SWOT Analysis
1. Who is the head coach of Bengal Warriorz for PKL Season 12?
Naveen Kumar is the head coach of Bengal Warriorz for PKL Season 12, with Praveen Malik serving as the assistant coach.
2. Who is the most expensive player in the Bengal Warriorz squad for PKL 12?
Devank Dalal is the most expensive player in the Bengal Warriorz squad, signed for INR 2.205 crore at the PKL 12 Player Auction.
3. What is the biggest strength of Bengal Warriorz in PKL Season 12?
The biggest strength of Bengal Warriorz is their raiding unit, led by Devank Dalal, who scored 301 raid points in Season 11, along with experienced players like Jang Kun Lee and young talents like Vishwas S.
