Bengaluru Bulls Retained and Released Players for PKL 13 (Probable)

Whom will Bengaluru Bulls 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 the rules in a previous blog.

You can read and understand the PKL Season 13 Retention Rules – Click here to read.

Bengaluru Bulls Possible Retained Players

# Elite Retained Players

(1) Akash Shinde

Akash Shinde was signed by Bengaluru Bulls for ₹53.10 lakhs in the previous PKL Auction with the expectation that he would lead the raiding department as a strike raider. Unfortunately, his season didn’t go the way it did during his time with Puneri Paltan. He managed 62 Raid Points in 15 matches, which was below expectations.

Even then, Bengaluru Bulls are still likely to retain him. One season doesn’t define a player’s quality, and Akash has already proved himself over the years in the PKL. If given another opportunity, he has the ability to bounce back and deliver match-winning performances once again. Considering his talent, ₹53.10 lakhs isn’t an unreasonable retention value, making him one of the likely retention candidates.

(2) Alireza Mirzaian

Alireza Mirzaian is quickly emerging as one of the brightest Iranian stars in kabaddi. Bengaluru Bulls pulled off one of the best bargain signings of the previous auction by buying him for just ₹14 lakhs.

He justified that investment with an outstanding season, scoring 197 Raid Points in 20 matches. His performances established him as one of Bengaluru Bulls’ biggest stars, and the franchise will almost certainly look to retain him ahead of PKL Season 13.

(3) Yogesh Dahiya

Yogesh Dahiya is an experienced Right Corner Defender whom Bengaluru Bulls bought for a massive ₹1.125 crore in the previous PKL Auction. Naturally, the biggest question is whether the franchise would be willing to retain a defender at such a high price.

Looking at his performances, he certainly justified the investment. Yogesh scored 51 Tackle Points in 19 matches, while also bringing valuable experience and stability to the defence. Bengaluru Bulls may still choose to retain him despite the high retention cost. Another option could be to release him and try to buy him back using the FBM card at a lower price, but that strategy comes with significant risk if his bidding price increases during the auction.

(4) Jitender Yadav

Jitender Yadav is a Left Corner Defender who joined Bengaluru Bulls as a replacement player during the previous season. He featured in 9 matches and scored 9 Tackle Points.

Although his numbers were modest, Jitender is a quality defender who previously impressed during his time with Gujarat Giants. Whether as the primary Left Corner defender or as a backup option, he could be an important part of Bengaluru Bulls’ plans for next season. With an affordable retention value, he is another player who is likely to be retained.

# 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) Aashish Malik (Right Raider)

Scored 83 raid points in 18 matches.

(2) Ganesha Hanamantagol (Right Raider)

Scored 35 raid points in 15 matches.

(3) Pirati Tejesh (Left Raider)

Did not play any matches in the PKL Season 12.

(4) Deepak Sankar (Left Corner)

Scored 64 tackle points in 19 matches.

Bengaluru Bulls Possible Releases

1. Mahipal (Left Raider)

2. Pankaj Thakur (Right Raider)

3. Manjeet Thakur (Right Raider)

4. Ahmadreza Asgari (Right Raider)

5. Shubham Bitake (Right Raider)

6. Dheeraj Nain (Left Cover)

7. Manish Dhull (Left Cover)

8. Shubham Rahate (Left Cover)

9. Sanjay Dhull (Right Cover)

10. Lucky Dhankar (Right Cover)

11. Satyappa Matti (Right Cover)

12. Amit Singh Thakur (Right Cover)

13. Ankush Rathee (Left Corner)

14. Chandranaik M. (Left Corner)

15. Sahil Rane (Right Corner)

16. Sachin (Right Corner)

So, these are the most likely retention decisions for Bengaluru Bulls ahead of PKL Season 13. A clearer picture will emerge once the recategorised players list is released and the franchise finalizes its retention strategy.

You can also share your thoughts in our detailed YouTube video discussing Bengaluru Bulls’ possible retentions.