PKL 2019: 3 players to look out for from Bengal Warriors

Bengal Warriors had a very underwhelming start to their Pro Kabaddi League journey as the Kolkata-based franchise found themselves in the bottom half of the points table in the first two seasons. The story changed in the third edition when the Nilesh Shinde-led team made it to the semifinals of the Pro Kabaddi league.

The Warriors even reached the playoffs of season 5 but are yet to feature in a final from the past six editions. In season 6, the Warriors finished 5th in the Zone B points table. This dismal performance by the team, forced the management to take some tough decisions.

Even though they topped the points table in season 5, the Warriors released Surjeet Singh and Jang Kun Lee ahead of the season 7 auctions. However, they have also recruited some big names in the defense unit whilst building the raiding attack around Maninder Singh.

Here are three Bengal Warriors players to watch out for in the upcoming Pro Kabaddi 2019.

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#3 Mohammad Nabibaksh

Mohammad Nabibaksh will make his PKL debut this year

Bengal Warriors bought the services of the Iranian all-rounder Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibaksh for a monumental price of ₹77.75 lakh. Nabibaksh was a part of the Iranian squad that played in the Kabaddi Masters tournament last year.

Nabibaksh will make his debut in the upcoming 7th season of VIVO Pro Kabaddi 201 . Known to be a prolific all-rounder, Nabibaksh will have the dual responsibility of contributing to the team’s defensive unit as well as supporting Maninder Singh in the raiding department.

The Bengal Warriors are certain to have their hopes pinned very high on this all-rounder and Nabibaksh would be keen to repay their faith in the upcoming edition of the PKL.

#2 Jeeva Kumar

Jeeva Kumar (R) has joined the Bengal Warriors this year

Bengal Warriors have strengthened their defense unit with the recruitment of veteran defender, Jeeva Kumar in the side. The dash specialist has played for multiple franchises in the Pro Kabaddi League and the Warriors will be his third team.

Though he has a low average of 1.87 tackle points per match, Jeeva brings a lot of experience to the fore and will be a key member in the cover positions.

The burly defender from Karnataka has 21 super tackles to his name. Jeeva played a crucial role in UP Yoddha’s success last year and he will be gunning to repeat his show from alst season and lead the Warriors from the defensive front.

Additionally, with Jeeva Kumar capable of defending from both cover positions, his efficiency will be a key feature to look out for.

#1 Maninder Singh

Maninder Singh has been very consistent for Bengal Warriors

After winning the inaugural season of Pro Kabaddi with the Jaipur Pink Panthers, Maninder Singh made a glorious return to the tournament after a gap of three seasons. The Warriors signed the Bengal Warriors snapped this beast in the auction and Maninder has ensured that his former franchise, Jaipur regrets their decision of releasing him.

In the 59 PKL games that Maninder has featured in, he has aggregated 526 raid points at a splendid average of 8.91. The ace raider has 23 Super 10s to his name and will hold the 'X-factor' for the Warriors in the upcoming season.

Apart from Maninder, the Warriors have K. Prapanjan and Sukesh Hegde in their season seven squad to bolster the raiding unit. While Maninder is expected to continue his fine form in the league, it will be the performance of the other two raiders which will decide how far Bengal reach in PKL 2019.

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