Pro Kabaddi 2024: Predicting the playing 7 for Bengal Warriorz for PKL 11
The Bengal Warriorz are gearing up for Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 with a renewed sense of purpose. Once champions in Season 7, the team have since struggled to replicate their success, failing to qualify for the playoffs in the last three seasons.
However, ahead of PKL 11, the Bengal Warriorz has made significant strategic changes, both on and off the mat. One notable change is the rebranding of their name from Bengal Warriors to Bengal Warriorz, a seemingly small shift but one that symbolizes their intent to start fresh.
Perhaps the most important shift, though, has come in their leadership, with the appointment of Iranian Fazel Atrachali as their new captain. This allows former captain Maninder Singh, one of the league's top raiders, to focus entirely on raiding without the added pressure of leadership. As the Bengal Warriorz sets its sights on a revival in PKL 11, let’s analyze their likely starting seven and the approach they are expected to adopt.
#1 Maninder Singh (Raider)
Maninder Singh, Bengal’s long-time talisman, will once again spearhead their raiding attack. As PKL’s second-best raider of all time, with 1,428 raid points, Maninder is an indispensable asset for the Warriorz. Last season, despite the team's struggles, he managed to score 197 raid points in 21 matches, finishing as the league’s fourth-leading raider.
The decision to relieve Maninder of the captaincy is strategic. It allows him to concentrate solely on his raiding, which is crucial considering his role as Bengal’s primary point-scorer. Without the burden of decision-making during matches, Maninder could potentially play with more freedom and fluidity.
#2 Vaibhav Garje (Right Cover)
One of the rising stars of Bengal's defense, Vaibhav Garje, has quickly cemented his position in the starting lineup. Garje secured 52 tackle points in 22 games last season. His ability to make aggressive tackles stood out, although his occasional over-aggression did backfire, leaving room for improvement in controlled play.
In PKL 11, Garje’s role in the right cover will be more critical than ever. With two experienced corner defenders, Fazel Atrachali and Nitesh Kumar, flanking him, Garje has an opportunity to sharpen his tactical awareness and learn from the best.
#3 Shreyas Umbardand (Left Cover)
Shreyas Umbardand is expected to feature more prominently in the starting seven this season after seeing limited game time in PKL 10. His positioning on the left cover, alongside Fazel Atrachali at the left corner, will be crucial to Bengal’s defensive scheme.
Umbardand's ability to support Atrachali’s defensive maneuvers while coordinating with the right side of the defense, particularly with Nitesh Kumar, will be a key area to watch.
#4 Nitin Kumar (Raider)
Nitin Kumar was one of the breakout performers for Bengal in PKL 10, securing 169 raid points in 20 matches. The young raider showed immense potential, often playing on par with Maninder Singh, which provided Bengal with an additional offensive weapon.
Heading into PKL 11, Nitin’s role will be to support Maninder in the raiding department. The Bengal Warriorz will likely continue to rely on a two-pronged raiding strategy, with Nitin expected to take on more responsibility in crucial moments. His partnership with Maninder will be central to Bengal’s raiding approach, and his ability to step up when needed could make the difference in close games.
#5 Arjun Rathi (Raider)
One of the most intriguing additions to Bengal Warriorz’s roster for PKL 11 is young raider Arjun Rathi, who was signed for ₹41 lakh. Although he is yet to make his PKL debut, the Warriorz clearly see potential in Rathi’s abilities.
As a supporting raider, Rathi will be tasked with contributing points when Maninder and Nitin are off the mat or when the team needs a fresh approach to break down a strong defense. Given his lack of experience, Rathi’s performance will be a wildcard.
#6 Fazel Atrachali (Captain, Left Corner)
The most significant change in Bengal’s lineup for PKL 11 is the acquisition of Fazel Atrachali, one of the greatest defenders in PKL history. With 486 tackle points in 169 matches, Fazel has consistently been a top performer and is known for his aggressive tackles.
Fazel’s presence at the left corner will anchor Bengal Warriorz’s defense. His ability to read the game and make timely tackles will be vital in shutting down opposition raiders.
#7 Nitesh Kumar (Right Corner)
Nitesh Kumar, Bengal Warriorz’s new vice-captain, adds another layer of experience to their defense. After a stellar PKL Season 6, where he recorded 100 tackle points—the most by any defender in a single season—Nitesh has struggled to maintain the same form in recent years. However, with Fazel Atrachali as his corner partner, Nitesh could regain his best form in PKL 11.
Nitesh’s role will be critical in ensuring that Bengal’s corners work in tandem to stifle opposition raiders.