"It feels really good to go back to the team I started with" - Pardeep Narwal after being bought by Bengaluru Bulls in Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction
In a significant move during the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 auction, star raider Pardeep Narwal has returned to the Bengaluru Bulls, the franchise where his illustrious PKL journey began.
The Bulls secured the services of the experienced raider for Rs. 70 lakh on the first day of the auction, marking a nostalgic reunion after nine long seasons. Pardeep's return to the Bulls, where he first stepped onto the PKL stage in 2015, has generated considerable excitement among fans.
Pardeep, who is widely regarded as one of the best raiders in the history of the league, initially made his PKL debut with the Bengaluru Bulls. However, his first season was a quiet one, where he featured in just six games and earned only nine raid points. Despite the slow start, Pardeep went on to establish himself as a formidable force in the league.
With his return to the Bengaluru Bulls, Pardeep Narwal is eager to reclaim his form and contribute to the team's success in the upcoming season.
Speaking about his return, Pardeep shared his excitement with PKL, stating:
"It feels really good to go back to the team I started with in my PKL journey. I'm looking forward to playing with the young players in the Bulls side. I am hoping to cross 1800 raid points in my career."
The Bulls had to fight hard to bring Pardeep Narwal back into their fold, outbidding U Mumba in a closely contested bidding war at the auction. U Mumba eventually stepped aside, allowing the Bulls to welcome back their former player.
Narwal's second stint with the Bulls comes at a time when the team is looking to bolster its squad with experienced players. His return not only adds depth to the Bulls' raiding department but also brings invaluable experience to the team. The upcoming PKL season will be a crucial one for Narwal, as he seeks to rediscover his "purple patch" and help the Bulls achieve success in Season 11.
Pardeep Narwal became a big name with the Patna Pirates
Pardeep Narwal's career took off when he joined the Patna Pirates, where he played a pivotal role in securing three consecutive PKL titles for the team. During his five seasons with the Pirates, he became a household name, known for his ability to turn the tide of a match single-handedly.
Following his successful stint with Patna, Pardeep Narwal made the switch to UP Yoddhas in Season 8. However, his performances in the last three seasons didn't quite meet expectations. Despite being the league's most celebrated raider, Narwal struggled to break into the top five raiders with the most raid points during his time with the Yoddhas. Season 10, in particular, was challenging for the raider, as he managed to score only 122 raid points.
Nevertheless, Narwal's legacy remains intact, as he still holds the record for the most raid points in PKL history, with an impressive tally of 1690 raid points from 170 games.