JOIN USAfter losing key players like Manjeet Chillar, Ajay Thakur and Dharmaraj Cheralathan to other franchises, the Bengaluru Bulls revealed their young and energetic line-up on Friday for the third edition of the Pro Kabaddi League, which kicks-off from January 30.
The void left by key players will be filled by the likes of Surjeet Narwal, who has been roped in from Dabang Delhi and will skipper the side, Uttar Pradesh’s all-rounder Shrikant Tewthia and Puducherry raider Vinoth Kumar, who starred for the side during the 63rd Senior National Kabaddi Championships in November.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Uday Sinh Wala, CEO Kosmik Sport League Pvt Ltd -- owners of the Bulls -- said the team was a mix of youth and experience and the departure of senior players would not affect the intensity or the belief that the side would show.
“There is a collective belief in the camp and that is the key. The boys have had time to gel with each other and are raring to go. We have enough talent to build a strong squad and produce stars.”
“In regard to a number of senior players leaving, it was their personal choice. There came a point when they were discussing contracts with other teams while negotiating with us. We do not play the monetary game and eventually we respected the players’ choice and let them go,” he added.
Coach and Arjuna awardee Randhir Singh echoed the opinions of Uday, saying that it was the PKL that made players stars and that he was happy with the intensity of his present crop of players.
“Kabaddi is a mind game, it is not a game of stars. If there are players that have become stars today, it is because of the recognition PKL has given them. We have brought in a few new players who have fitted in to our plans very well. The intensity I see during training is fantastic. That is the key for a team.”
The Bengaluru leg of the PKL will be held between Feruary 3-6.