Bengal Warriorz SWOT analysis: Star raiders, defensive concerns, and lack of all-rounders

Bengal Warriorz is all set to feature in their 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League. After some difficult seasons in the initial years, the team claimed their first trophy in Season 7, which remains their only one. Last year, the team finished in the seventh position and missed the playoffs by a whisker.

This season, the team has made some tough decisions and added experienced players to the squad. They have also parted ways with their experienced head coach, K Baskaran, and replaced him with Prashant Surve. Praveen Yadav has been named the assistant coach of Bengal Warriorz. The team is optimistic about achieving glory in the league and eager to bring back their good old days.

Strength: Big signings

The Kolkata-based team’s biggest strength lies in the quality and variety of raiders they have. They have retained their captain, Maninder Singh, for ₹1.15 crore. The team also boasts experienced raiders like Nitin Kumar, Vishwas S, Pranay Rane, and young talent Arjun Rathi.

This year, the team has made significant signings for overseas players as well. Jang-Kun Lee will be making his comeback in the team. The 31-year-old raider, who has scored over 400 points in PKL, will be vital. The team has also put its trust in Fazel Atrachali, the top-scoring defender in PKL history.

Weaknesses: Lack of All-Rounders

One of Bengal Warriorz’ biggest challenges for Pro Kabaddi Season 11 is the lack of proper all-rounders in the team. Sagar Kumar, who played for Patna Pirates in Season 9, is the only recognised all-rounder in the squad. With only seven tackle points in his PKL career, the team will have no option but to rely solely on him if they seek an all-round option.

Opportunities: Promising young players

The team is filled with young players eager to shine. Nitin Kumar, who scored 169 points last season, will look to improve his performance. Arjun Rathi, in particular, is a player to watch, as the Warriorz invested ₹41 lakh in him during the Player Auction, showing their confidence in his potential. They have also trusted their Taiwanese player Chia-Ming Chang who brings in a different skillset. He played only one match last season, but this year, he might get more playing time.

Threats: Lack of experienced defenders

Despite signing Fazel Atrachali, the team might face vulnerabilities in defence. Letting go of their top defender from Season 10, Shubham Shinde, could prove costly. The rest of the defence could struggle under pressure. Nitesh Kumar’s form has dipped over the last few seasons, which may be a concern. Mayur Kadam and Vaibhav Garje, playing in cover positions, will need to perform consistently to secure the team’s defence.