PKL 12: Bengaluru Bulls Squad Analysis for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 will begin soon, and the Bengaluru Bulls are gearing up for a strong comeback. As the Season 6 champions, the Bulls have a proud history, but their disappointing last-place finish in Season 11 with only 19 points has pushed them to make big changes.cFor PKL 12, the team has a new head coach, BC Ramesh, and a revamped squad with a mix of young and experienced players.
After parting ways with long-time head coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat, the team appointed BC Ramesh, a three-time PKL title-winning coach who led the Bulls to their Season 6 victory. Additionally, they were active in the PKL 12 Player Auction, spending big to strengthen their squad. Notably, they signed Yogesh Dahiya, the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history, for INR 1.125 crore. The departure of star raider Pardeep Narwal, who retired from Kabaddi, marks a new chapter for the team. With a balanced squad, the Bulls aim to get into the playoffs and compete for the PKL 12 title.
The Bengaluru Bulls squad for PKL Season 12 includes 23 players, with a strong focus on defense and a developing raiding unit. Let’s take a look into the Bengaluru Bulls squad analysis.
Bengaluru Bulls Full Squad for PKL 12
The Bengaluru Bulls squad for PKL Season 12 is a mix of raiders, defenders, and all-rounders. Here is the complete list:
- Raiders: Pankaj, Akash Shinde, Aashish Malik, Ganesha Hanamantagol, Mahipal, Manjeet Thakur, Shubham Bitake, Pirati Srisivatejesh
- Defenders: Lucky Kumar, Sanjay, Ankush Rathee, Yogesh Dahiya, Satyappa Matti, Shubham Rahate, Deepak Sankar, Manish
- All-Rounders: Chandranaik M, Ahmad Reza Asgari, Alireza Mirzaian, Amit Thakur, Dheeraj, Sachin, Sahil Rane
This squad combines experience with young talent, aiming to create a balanced team for PKL Season 12.
Strengths of Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 12
The biggest strength of the Bengaluru Bulls for PKL Season 12 is their defensive unit. The team made a bold move by signing Yogesh Dahiya, who has 149 tackle points in 45 matches, for a record-breaking INR 1.125 crore. His consistency as a right corner defender makes him a key player. Additionally, Ankush Rathee, with 227 tackle points in 69 matches, strengthens the left corner. Sanjay, acquired for INR 60 lakh, and Dheeraj, signed for INR 40.20 lakh, add depth to the defense. This strong defensive lineup, supported by players like Lucky Kumar, Satyappa Matti, Shubham Rahate, Deepak Sankar, and Manish, makes the Bulls a tough team to raid against.
Moreover, the Bulls have a capable raiding unit led by Akash Shinde, who has 296 raid points in 57 matches. His experience and ability to lead the attack are crucial. Retained raiders Pankaj and Manjeet Thakur, along with young talents like Aashish Malik, Ganesha Hanamantagol, Mahipal, Shubham Bitake, and Pirati Srisivatejesh, provide variety in the raiding department.
The presence of multiple all-rounders Chandranaik M, Ahmad Reza Asgari, Alireza Mirzaian, Amit Thakur, Dheeraj, Sachin, and Sahil Rane adds flexibility. These players can contribute in both raiding and defense, helping the team adapt to different situations.
Weaknesses of Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 12
Despite their strong defense, the Bengaluru Bulls face challenges in their raiding unit. The departure of Pardeep Narwal, the highest-scoring raider in PKL history with 1801 raid points, leaves a gap. Akash Shinde is a reliable raider, but the team lacks another established lead raider. Young raiders like Pankaj, Manjeet Thakur, Aashish Malik, Ganesha Hanamantagol, Mahipal, Shubham Bitake, and Pirati Srisivatejesh are talented but lack the experience to consistently lead the attack. This inexperience could be a concern against teams with strong defenses.
Another weakness is the lack of leadership in the squad. With Pardeep Narwal’s retirement, the Bulls may struggle to find a player who can guide the team on the mat. While BC Ramesh’s coaching experience will help, the absence of a clear on-field leader could affect performance in crucial moments.
Opportunities for Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 12
The Bengaluru Bulls have several opportunities to succeed in PKL Season 12. Firstly, their strong defensive unit, led by Yogesh Dahiya and Ankush Rathee, gives them a chance to dominate matches. A solid defense can set the tone, allowing the raiders to take risks and score points. Young defenders like Shubham Rahate, Deepak Sankar, and Manish have an opportunity to prove themselves alongside experienced players.
Additionally, the raiding unit has potential for growth. Akash Shinde’s experience can guide younger raiders like Pankaj and Manjeet Thakur. If these players step up, the Bulls could develop a balanced attack. The addition of international all-rounders Ahmad Reza Asgari and Alireza Mirzaian from Iran adds a unique flair, offering new strategies and styles to the team.
Furthermore, BC Ramesh’s return as head coach is a major opportunity. Having led the Bulls to the Season 6 title and coached Bengal Warriorz and Puneri Paltan to championships, Ramesh brings a wealth of experience. His ability to develop young players and create effective game plans could help the Bulls return to the playoffs.
Challenges for Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 12
The Bengaluru Bulls face several challenges in PKL Season 12. The biggest concern is their reliance on Akash Shinde in the raiding department. If he faces injuries or a dip in form, the team may struggle to score raid points consistently. The younger raiders need to quickly adapt to the high-pressure environment of PKL to support Shinde.
Another challenge is the lack of depth in experienced raiders. While the defense is strong, the team needs a balanced attack to compete against top teams like Patna Pirates or Dabang Delhi K.C. Without a second reliable raider, the Bulls may find it hard to secure a top-six finish.
Additionally, integrating the large number of all-rounders into the starting seven could be tricky. While players like Chandranaik M, Ahmad Reza Asgari, and Alireza Mirza 4ian offer versatility, finding the right combination will be key. If the all-rounders fail to contribute effectively, the team’s balance could be disrupted.
Key Players to Watch in PKL 12
Several players in the Bengaluru Bulls squad are expected to play a big role in PKL Season 12. Yogesh Dahiya, with his record-breaking price tag, will be the cornerstone of the defense. His ability to execute tackles and lead the defensive unit will be crucial. Ankush Rathee, with his experience, will complement Yogesh in the left corner. Akash Shinde is the main raider to watch, given his consistent performance in previous seasons. Among the all-rounders, Ahmad Reza Asgari and Alireza Mirzaian have the potential to make an impact with their international experience.
Young players like Pankaj, Manjeet Thakur, and Aashish Malik are also worth watching. If they can step up, they could become breakout stars for the Bulls in PKL 12.
Strategy for PKL 12
Under BC Ramesh’s leadership, the Bengaluru Bulls are focusing on a defense-first strategy. Ramesh’s experience in winning titles with multiple teams will help the Bulls maximize their defensive strength. The team is likely to rely on Yogesh Dahiya and Ankush Rathee to anchor the defense, allowing the raiders to play aggressively. Ramesh will also work on developing the young raiders, helping them gain confidence and improve their skills.
The inclusion of international all-rounders like Ahmad Reza Asgari and Alireza Mirzaian suggests a flexible approach. The Bulls may experiment with different combinations to find the best starting seven. Ramesh’s tactical expertise will be key in ensuring the team performs consistently throughout the season.
The Bengaluru Bulls are entering PKL Season 12 with a strong defensive unit and a developing raiding lineup. The addition of Yogesh Dahiya and Ankush Rathee makes their defense one of the best in the league, while Akash Shinde leads a young but promising raiding unit. However, the lack of experienced raiders and on-field leadership could pose challenges. With BC Ramesh’s coaching, the Bulls have a chance to overcome these hurdles and make a strong push for the playoffs. The team’s success will depend on how well their young players step up and how effectively they utilize their all-rounders.
FAQs About Bengaluru Bulls SWOT Analysis
1. Who is the head coach of Bengaluru Bulls for PKL Season 12?
BC Ramesh is the head coach of Bengaluru Bulls for PKL Season 12, bringing his experience from winning titles with the Bulls, Bengal Warriorz, and Puneri Paltan.
2. Who is the most expensive player in the Bengaluru Bulls squad for PKL 12?
Yogesh Dahiya is the most expensive player in the Bengaluru Bulls squad, signed for INR 1.125 crore, making him the most expensive defender in PKL history.
3. What is the biggest strength of Bengaluru Bulls in PKL Season 12?
The biggest strength of Bengaluru Bulls is their defensive unit, led by Yogesh Dahiya and Ankush Rathee, who have a combined 376 tackle points in their PKL careers.
