Pro Kabaddi League 2018 Season 6: 5 players who can shine for the Bengal Warriors

The sixth season of the Pro Kabaddi League is just around the corner and with that comes a lot to watch out for as the teams will be itching to get back on the mat and put their best foot forward.

The Bengal Warriors, in particular, will be looking to continue their excellent show from last season, when they finished on top of the Zone 'B' table, with 11 wins from 22 matches but unfortunately missed out on a spot in the finals, with back to back losses in the qualifiers.

Given that this performance came after a wooden spoon finish in the fourth season, the Warriors will hope to go one step further this time around under the tutelage of skipper Surjeet Singh, who was retained alongside raiding spearhead Maninder Singh.

Jang Kun Lee's services were bought back while the additions of Ran Singh, Srikanth Tewathia and Ziaur Rehman will comprise of the defensive unit. Useful additions in the form of Vijin Thangadurai and Mahesh Goud could also be of importance to the Warriors.

Here are five players who could be expected to shine for the Warriors this season.

#5 Ran Singh

Ran Singh is a good

raider

as well

An all-rounder better known for his strength in the defense unit, Ran Singh has often played under the shadows of better-known defenders in his PKL career and could be expected to play a huge role in the Warriors' campaign.

Alongside skipper Surjeet Singh, Ran Singh will be eyeing a potent alliance that could put any raider up to the test. The fact that Ran Singh has already played with the Warriors in the previous season could also hold him in good stead to contribute in vital proportions.

In the fifth season, Ran Singh played 23 matches and scored 12 raid points apart from 52 tackle points, underlining his importance as one of the best all-rounders in the league.

#4 Ziaur Rahman

Ziaur Rahman (R) was the Warriors' second costliest purchase

The Bangladeshi defender played his first PKL season with the Puneri Paltan in the previous season and had his moments, with 20 tackle points from 16 matches. Although his numbers do not paint a pretty picture, his vital blocks and dashes will be of high importance for the Warriors.

A vital part of the Bangladeshi setup for the World Cup and the recently concluded Asian Games, Ziaur Rahman's experience in the defensive unit can come in more than handy alongside the presence of Surjeet Singh on the mat.

The fact that the Warriors went all-in to procure the services of Rahman for ₹33.25 lakh, making him the second costliest purchase from the auctions can in all likelihood earn him a start in the game.

#3 Jang Kun Lee

Jang Kun Lee, PKL's most successful foreign raider

One of the best raiders in the competition, Jang Kun Lee's athleticism and understanding of the game, added to his swiftness on either side can see him being pipped as the 'raider to watch out for' from this season.

Having played all his PKL career for the Bengal Warriors, Lee could well claim Kolkata as his second home and with 332 raid points from 72 matches and bucketloads of experience, Jang Kun Lee's display on the mat this season will be of paramount importance for the Warriors and with a good outing in the Asian Games, can be expected to fire.

#2 Maninder Singh

Can Maninder Singh continue his form from last season?

Maninder Singh's PKL journey started off with the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the inaugural season when he finished with the most points for the Panthers, picking up 130 raid points from 16 matches.

However, his next season only came in the fifth season, when he was signed up by the Bengal Warriors and made the most use of the opportunity given to him, picking up 190 points from 21 matches, finishing as the Warriors' best raider and was rightly retained ahead of the sixth season, a major confidence booster.

With a stint in the Asian Games, Maninder Singh's experience could certainly do well for the Bengal Warriors this season.

#1 Surjeet Singh

Surjeet Singh (C) will lead the defensive set up

One of the best right cover defenders in the country, Surjeet Singh's captaincy came to the fore in the fifth season when he led them to the top of the Zone 'B' table but unfortunately could not take his team all the way.

Now, with a fresh season approaching, Surjeet will look to stomp his dominance and with that shun the critics who applauded the decision to rid him of a place in the Asian Games squad. With 161 points from 50 matches and a terrific fifth season, Surjeet Singh can be expected to put on an exhilarating show this season.