Kolkata: The Bengal Warriorz, champions of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 7, are determined to break their four-season playoff drought as they gear up for PKL Season 12. After finishing a disappointing 10th in the previous edition with just five wins in 22 matches, the franchise has undergone significant changes in coaching and squad composition in a bid to revive their fortunes.
Coaching Overhaul
The Warriorz parted ways with former head coach Prashant Surve following their underwhelming performance in Season 11. Stepping into the role is Naveen Kumar, who will lead the team as the new head coach, with Praveen Malik serving as his assistant. The new coaching duo will be tasked with turning around the team’s fortunes and guiding them back to the playoffs.
Revamped Squad with Raiding Firepower
The Bengal Warriorz were one of the most active teams at the PKL Season 12 Player Auction, making strategic moves to strengthen their squad. Their biggest acquisition was Devank Dalal, the breakout raider from Season 11, who was signed for a staggering INR 2.205 crore. Devank’s explosive raiding ability—301 raid points in 25 matches last season—makes him the centerpiece of the Warriorz attack.
Adding to their raiding arsenal, the franchise brought back fan-favorite Jang Kun Lee, known for his iconic “Scorpion Kick,” and secured the services of Himanshu at the auction. Other raiders in the squad include Omid Khojasteh Mohammadshah (Iran), Sushil Kambrekar, Vishwas S, Manprit, Punit Kumar, and Rachit Kumar, giving the team multiple attacking options.
Defensive Concerns Loom Large
Despite their strong raiding unit, the Warriorz face questions over their defensive stability. While they retained key defenders Nitesh Kumar and Mayur Jagannath Kadam using the Final Bid Match (FBM) option, the rest of their defensive lineup appears inexperienced on paper. Young talents like Yash Malik, Manjeet, Deep Kumar, and Ankit will need to step up to support the seasoned duo.
Another area of concern is the lack of depth in the all-rounder department, with only Shivansh Thakur and Moolchandra Singh available in that role. This could leave the team vulnerable in high-pressure situations where versatility is crucial.
Opportunities for Young Stars
Season 12 presents a golden opportunity for emerging talents to shine. Sushil Kambrekar, who showed promise before an injury cut short his previous campaign, will be eager to make a strong comeback. Meanwhile, young defenders like Parteek, Ashish, and Sandeep will look to make their mark alongside established stars Nitesh and Mayur.
Potential Threats
The Warriorz’ heavy reliance on Devank Dalal for raiding points could be a double-edged sword. An injury or dip in form for their star raider could derail their campaign. Additionally, the lack of experienced defenders and all-rounders may prove costly in tight matches.
Final Outlook
With a revamped raiding unit and fresh coaching leadership, the Bengal Warriorz have the potential to challenge for a playoff spot. However, their defensive frailties and lack of all-rounders remain significant hurdles. If their young defenders rise to the occasion and Devank maintains his stellar form, the Warriorz could finally end their playoff drought in PKL Season 12.
