Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction: 3 most expensive buys for Bengal Warriorz
2019 PKL champions, the Bengal Warriorz will be determined to bounce back after failing to advance to the playoffs in the last three seasons. Since their inaugural season in 2014, the Warriorz have reached the playoffs four times.
Their best season was in 2019 when they clinched their first-ever title by overcoming Dabang Delhi with a score of 39-34 in the final. During the league phase of that season, the Warriorz won 14 out of 22 matches, accumulating 83 points, while Delhi led the standings with 85 points.
In season 10, the Bengal Warriorz won only nine out of their 22 games, finishing seventh and missing out on the playoffs.
With a strong record of both attacking prowess and defensive solidity, the Kolkata-based team will be eager to put up a better display this time. The Warriorz will be looking to revitalize their performance and make a serious bid for the trophy once again.
They made some key buys to refine their squad at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction. Here are the three most expensive buys for Bengal Warriorz at the PKL 2024 auction.
Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction: 3 most expensive buys for Bengal Warriorz
#3 Arjun Rathi (₹41 lakh)
Arjun Rathi, a promising young raider from Uttarakhand, is set to make his Pro Kabaddi debut with the Bengal Warriorz for the 2024 PKL season. The 22-year-old was secured for an impressive INR 41 lakh, significantly higher than his base price of ₹9 lakh.
In Category D, Rathi attracted interest from the Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengal Warriorz, leading to a competitive bidding war. Ultimately, the Warriorz emerged victorious, finalizing the deal with a winning bid of ₹41 lakh for his services in the upcoming season.
Arjun impressed with his performance in the Yuva Kabaddi Series Monsoon Edition 2022 where he scored 158 points from just nine matches.
#2 Fazel Atrachali (₹50 lakh)
After being released by the Gujarat Giants, Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali was acquired by Bengal for ₹50 lakh in what turned out to be a steal deal for them.
In Category A, Fazel was up in the auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh. With his inclusion, the Warriorz have strenghtened their side and he is expected to lead their defense.
Fazel is the most successful defender in the history of PKL, having played 169 matches and gathering 486 tackle points. The Iranian stalwart also displayed fine form last season, where he played 23 matches and scored 62 tackle points with three High 5s and four Suoer Tackles.
#1 Maninder Singh (₹1.15 crore)
During the Pro Kabaddi League 2024 Auction, the Bengal Warriorz successfully brought back raider Maninder Singh for ₹1.15 crore. Maninder, the last player in the ‘Category A’ group, was initially acquired by the Bengaluru Bulls, but the Warriorz used their Final Bid Match (FBM) card to retain him.
This acquisition marks Maninder Singh's return to the Bengal Warriorz for the sixth consecutive season. He was a key player in the team's 2019 PKL title victory, which remains the franchise's first and only championship.
Maninder picked up 197 tackle points from 21 games last season with an average of 9.38 raid points per game.