Whom will Bengal Warriorz RETAIN or RELEASE ahead of PKL Season 13? Let’s take a look at the most likely Retention decisions for the franchise.
Retention Rules for PKL Season 13
The PKL Season 13 Retention Process is expected to remain the same as in previous seasons. We have already explained the complete Retention Process and rules in a previous blog.
You can read and understand the PKL Season 13 Retention Rules – Click here to read.
Bengal Warriorz Possible Retained Players
# Elite Retained Players
(1) Parteek Gulia
Parteek is a highly talented Left Cover defender. Bengal Warriorz showed faith in him by signing him at his base price of ₹13 lakhs in the PKL 12 Auction. He repaid that trust by scoring 18 tackle points in 12 matches, proving that he has both quality and potential. He previously represented Bengaluru Bulls in PKL Seasons 10 and 11, where his performances were also quite impressive. Considering his affordable price, Bengal Warriorz may look to retain him for another season.
(2) Ashish Malik
Another highly talented defender, Ashish Malik turned out to be a bargain signing for Bengal Warriorz in the PKL 12 Auction. Playing as a Left Corner defender, he scored 47 tackle points in 15 matches while representing Bengal Warriorz. With a salary of just ₹13.10 lakhs in PKL 12, retention cost should not be a concern. He is one of the strongest candidates to be retained ahead of PKL 13.
(3) Ankit Dhull
Right Corner defender Ankit Dhull delivered a very promising performance last season. Bengal Warriorz already had an experienced Right Corner defender in Nitesh Kumar, but despite that, Ankit managed to score 26 tackle points in 16 matches. Since he was bought at his base price of ₹9 lakhs in the PKL 12 Auction, his retention price should not be an issue either.
(4) Nitesh Kumar
Nitesh Kumar hardly needs an introduction. He is one of the most experienced Right Corner defenders in the league. He has been representing Bengal Warriorz since PKL Season 11, although his numbers last season were slightly disappointing, with just 13 tackle points in 11 matches. Still, Bengal Warriorz may choose to back him for another season because of the experience and leadership he brings to the squad. It is a 50-50 call, but I would personally love to see him again in Bengal Warriorz colours for PKL 13.
(5) Jang Kun Lee
Popularly known as the Korean Kabaddi King, Jang Kun Lee remains one of the most loved overseas players among Indian kabaddi fans. He made his return to the kabaddi world in PKL Season 11, and Bengal Warriorz signed him in the previous auction. He didn’t get many opportunities in PKL 12, but he has looked quite active in training and practice sessions recently. If he is fully fit and continues to prepare well, he could make a strong comeback. Bengal Warriorz should try to retain him, either through retention or by buying him back in the auction.
(6) Mayur Kadam
Right Cover defender Mayur Kadam has been playing for Bengal Warriorz since Season 11. Last season, he featured in seven matches and scored seven tackle points. A mid-season injury in PKL 12 turned out to be a major setback and eventually ruled him out of the tournament. He is an experienced defender in the Right Cover position, and with an expected salary of around ₹13–15 lakhs, Bengal Warriorz should consider retaining him for next season.
(7) Phool Chandra Singh
Bengal Warriorz signed Phool Chandra Singh as a replacement player during the previous season. He got the opportunity to play only two matches but still managed to score seven tackle points. The final decision will depend on the head coach and management, but he could be a useful backup option, especially for Mayur Kadam.
Limitation in Elite Players Retention
A team can retain a maximum of Two Players each from Category A, Category B, and Category C.
I have listed seven possible ERP Retention candidates above. However, we still do not know the updated player categories for PKL Season 13. The recategorised players list will give a much clearer picture.
For now, you can refer to the table below with the expected categories of these players and select a maximum of two players from each category for Retention.
| Player Name | Player Position | Likely Category for PKL 13 |
| Ashish Malik | Left Corner | Cat-B |
| Parteek Gulia | Left Cover | Cat-C |
| Ankit Dhull | Right Corner | Cat-C |
| Nitesh Kumar | Right Corner | Cat-C |
| Jang Kun Lee | Left Raider | Cat-C |
| Mayur Kadam | Right Cover | Cat-C |
| Phool Chandra Singh | Right Cover | Cat-C |
# Retained Young Players
(1) Manjeet Chaudhary
Manjeet Chaudhary is a Left Cover defender who was signed by Bengal Warriorz as an NYP in PKL Season 11. His two-year contract has now come to an end. If Bengal Warriorz want to keep him for future seasons, they can retain him under the Retained Young Player (RYP) category, which comes with a three-year contract. Manjeet performed quite well last season, scoring 22 tackle points in 15 matches. Because of that, he is one of the strongest candidates to receive an RYP contract.
# Existing New Young Players
Players in this category are those who enter the second year of their two-season NYP contract. Since they were signed as NYPs last season, they will automatically remain with the franchise next season under the Existing New Young Player category.
(1) Punit Kumar (Left Raider)
Scored 13 raid points in 8 matches.
(2) Rachit Yadav (Right Raider)
Did not play any match.
(3) Manpreet Birwal (Right Raider)
Scored 49 raid points in 16 matches.
(4) Amandeep Kajal (Right Corner Defender)
Scored 1 tackle point in 1 match.
Bengal Warriorz Possible Releases
1. Devank Dalal (Right Raider)
2. Himanshu Narwal (Left Raider)
3. Vishwas S. (Right Raider)
4. Moolchand Singh (Left Raider)
5. Sushil Kambrekar (Right Raider)
6. Omid K. Mohammadshah (Right Raider)
7. Deep Kumar (Right Cover Defender)
8. Shivansh Thakur (Right Cover Defender)
9. Yash Malik (Left Corner Defender)
10. Sandeep Saini (Left Corner Defender)
11. Harander (Right Corner Defender)
So, this is how Bengal Warriorz’s Retention list could look ahead of PKL Season 13. The franchise is yet to announce its Head Coach for the upcoming season. More importantly, once the Recategorised Players list is released, we will get a much clearer idea about the possible Elite Retained Players.
You can also watch our detailed video on Bengal Warriorz Retention and share your opinion there.
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