Bengaluru Bulls, the Bengaluru-based franchise of the Pro Kabaddi League, is owned by the Kosmik Media Group. The team that finished in the top 4 in the first two editions of the PKL is coached by Randhir Singh, an Arjuna Awardee. The finalists of PKL 2 only managed to win 2 games in PKL 3 and finished seventh in the league table. PKL 3 included a 10-match losing streak for the Bulls. However, they failed to make it to the play-offs in PKL 4, finishing 6th.
Bengaluru Bulls retained Ashish Sangwan whilst snapping up one of the best defenders in Ravinder Pahal. The inclusions of star raider Rohit Kumar and the talented Ajay Kumar gives their raiding a strong look. With the likes of Rohit Kumar and Pahal in their ranks, the Bulls, on paper, can look forward to a promising outing this time around.
Coach: Randhir Singh
Randhir Singh, one of the most animated coaches in the Pro Kabaddi League, represented the Indian team and won a gold in the 1990 Asian Games.
Associated with the Bengaluru Bulls since PKL 1, Randhir managed a star-studded team in the first two seasons to consecutive playoffs (and to a final in PKL 2).
In PKL 3, after losing his star players Manjeet Chhillar and Ajay Thakur, he headed a youthful Bengaluru outfit. Their inexperience was evident when they managed just two victories in the entire season, ending up seventh.
In PKL 4, despite the presence of Mohit Chhillar, Surender Nada, and Rohit Kumar in his roster, the Bulls managed a disappointing sixth place finish.
Now, with the mercurial Pahal, the talismanic Rohit Kumar and many talented youngsters in his ranks, Randhir will have the challenge of getting the most out of team in PKL 5.
Captain: Rohit Kumar
The tall and fit Rohit Kumar impressed all with his extraordinary raiding skills in Pro Kabaddi League season 3. Despite playing his first PKL season, he was a vital cog for the PKL 3 champions, Patna Pirates. With 102 raid points in 12 matches, he was one of just three players to complete 100+ raid points in PKL 3. His efforts earned him the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the season award.
Rohit was picked up by Bengaluru Bulls for PKL 4, where in the absence of support, he had to shoulder the raiding burden on his own. He proved himself capable of carrying this burden, by scoring 93 raid points. With his rapid pace and brilliant reach, he manages to get in the hand touches, while his agility and strength also enable him to escape effectively.
He was bought back by Bengaluru Bulls for Rs 81 lakh; and along with Ajay Kumar, will be expected to lead the raiding for the Bulls in their pursuit to reach the play-offs for the first time since PKL 2.
Squad Profiles
Transfers
Transfers In
Transfers Out
Strengths: Raiding
With the likes of Rohit Kumar, Ajay Kumar and Gurvinder Singh, the Bulls have the power to outclass any defence this season. Rohit and Ajay will be key in raiding, as both have a raid strike rate above 45. The duo collectively scored 154 points in PKL 4.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced Defence
The team’s new faces in defence will have a tough time taking on PKL’s star raiders – like Rahul Chaudhari, Kashiling Adake, Anup Kumar and others. It will be interesting to see how they will respond against these quality raiders.
Opportunities: Low Expectations
Except Ravinder Pahal and Rohit Kumar, the Bulls don’t have any player to have performed well over multiple PKL editions. This might ease expectations on the youngsters, freeing them up to perform without any pressure.
Threats: Lack of Quality All-Rounders
The Bulls lack quality all-rounders in their squad. They have retained Ashish Kumar, who is yet to impress with his all-round abilities in PKL. Except Ashish, Preetam is the only Bulls allrounder with some PKL experience.
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