Can Bengal Warriorz Make a Comeback to the PKL 12 Playoffs?
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Synopsis
The Bengal Warriorz, former champions of the Pro Kabaddi League, are gearing up for a significant comeback in Season 12. After several disappointing seasons, the team has revamped its roster and coaching staff in hopes of reclaiming their playoff spot. Will they rise again?
Key Takeaways
- Bengal Warriorz aiming for a playoff return.
- New head coach Naveen Kumar brings fresh strategies.
- Star raider Devank Dalal joins to strengthen offense.
- Inexperienced defense could pose challenges.
- Young talents poised for breakout moments.
Mumbai, August 6 (NationPress) The Bengal Warriorz, champions of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 7, are determined to secure their place in the PKL Season 12 Playoffs after four straight years of falling short in the league stages.
Before embarking on Season 12, the Warriorz made significant changes, including parting ways with head coach Prashant Surve, who guided the team to a disappointing 10th place last season with only five victories in 22 matches. In his stead, they have appointed Naveen Kumar, a former Indian international and gold medal-winning coach, who previously led the Telugu Titans as head coach in Season 5. Praveen Malik has also joined as the assistant coach for the upcoming season.
The Warriorz were active during the PKL Season 12 player auction, overhauling their squad in response to a few lackluster seasons. Below is a detailed analysis of the team’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the new PKL season.
Strengths
The Warriorz's primary strength is anticipated to be their raiding unit in Pro Kabaddi Season 12. They have strengthened their offense by acquiring Devank Dalal, the standout raider from PKL Season 11, for an impressive INR 2.205 crore during the auction.
Alongside him, Iranian raider Omid Khojasteh Mohammadshah, and Indian raiders Sushil Kambrekar, Vishwas S, Manprit, Punit Kumar, and Rachit Kumar will all be crucial to the Warriorz’ offense as they aim to make a significant impact this season.
The team also welcomed back Korean star raider Jang Kun Lee, known as the Scorpion Kick King, and added Himanshu at the auction to further strengthen their raiding lineup.
Weaknesses
On the flip side, the Warriorz may face challenges due to their relatively inexperienced defenders this season. Although they exercised their Final Bid Match (FBM) options to retain star defenders Nitesh Kumar and Mayur Jagannath Kadam for another season, their defensive unit appears inexperienced on paper.
Furthermore, the squad lacks all-rounders, with only Shivansh Thakur and debutant Moolchandra Singh listed in this role for the upcoming campaign.
Opportunities
The Warriorz have a plethora of young talents eager to shine in Pro Kabaddi Season 12.
After a remarkable season, Devank aims to maintain his dominance on the mat. Previously, he made headlines by scoring 301 raid points in just 25 matches during Season 11. Joining him is Sushil Kambrekar, who showed great promise last season but was sidelined due to injury; he’ll be looking for redemption this time.
Defensive talents like Yash Malik (left corner), Manjeet (left cover), Deep Kumar (right cover), Amandeep (right corner), Ankit, Sandeep (right corner), Harander (right corner), Parteek (left cover), and Ashish (left corner) will collaborate with the seasoned duo of Nitesh Kumar and Mayur Kadam.
Threats
As previously noted, the absence of experienced defenders and quality all-rounders could jeopardize the team’s quest for a playoff spot in Pro Kabaddi Season 12.
The Warriorz may find themselves overly reliant on stars like Devank, which could present challenges for the franchise. If Devank were to become unavailable for any reason, it could severely impact the Warriorz’ playoff aspirations in PKL Season 12.
Point of View
I believe the Bengal Warriorz have an uphill battle ahead. With both promising talent and significant weaknesses, their ability to perform consistently will be crucial in determining their future in the Pro Kabaddi League. The franchise must navigate these challenges with agility and strategy.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key strengths of the Bengal Warriorz this season?
The Bengal Warriorz boast a strong raiding unit, highlighted by the addition of Devank Dalal, who was a standout performer in the previous season.
What weaknesses might the Bengal Warriorz face?
The team may struggle with an inexperienced defensive line and a lack of all-rounders, which could affect their overall performance.
Who is the new head coach of the Bengal Warriorz?
The Warriorz have appointed Naveen Kumar, a former Indian international, as their new head coach ahead of Season 12.
How did the Bengal Warriorz perform last season?
Last season, the Bengal Warriorz finished 10th, winning only five out of 22 matches.
What changes were made to the team for Season 12?
The Warriorz revamped their squad during the auction, acquiring new talent and parting ways with their previous head coach.
