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Bengal Warriorz failed to qualify for the Pro Kabaddi 2024 playoffs. The Kolkata-based franchise finished 10th in the points table, with 41 points from 22 matches. They managed only five victories throughout the league round.
The Warriorz started decently in Hyderabad but remained winless throughout the Noida leg. In Pune, the Warriorz showed signs of making a comeback, but they eventually settled for the 10th spot in the standings.
Bengal Warriorz had stacked up their Pro Kabaddi 2024 squad with some big names like Fazel Atrachali, Nitesh Kumar, Maninder Singh and Mayur Kadam. However, the team still failed to make it to the next round.
The Warriorz team management will have to make some tough calls to ensure the franchise qualifies for the playoffs in PKL 12. Here are five players the Warriorz may release.
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#1 Bengal Warriorz might end their association with Maninder Singh
Star raider Maninder Singh had been the backbone of the Bengal Warriorz raid unit until the 10th season. The franchise signed him once again at the auction for ₹1.15 crore ahead of PKL 2024, but Maninder could not match the expectations.
Popularly known as 'Mighty Mani', the star raider could only manage 102 points in 15 matches. He was benched in many games, giving a hint that the Warriorz are looking for a new lead raider now.
#2 Mayur Kadam
Right-cover defender Mayur Kadam had a lot of PKL experience under his belt. Bengal Warriorz fans had high hopes for him, especially after the team spent ₹30.2 lakh to acquire his services at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction.
Kadam could only score 34 points in 17 matches, averaging two points per game. His tackle success rate was 34%, meaning every two out of his three tackle attempts failed. Bengal might not prefer retaining him for the next season.
#3 Sambhaji Wabale
Another right-cover defender to feature on the list is Sambhaji Wabale. Bengal raised quite a few eyebrows when they spent ₹12.9 lakh to sign him at the PKL 2024 Auction.
However, the Warriorz gave only one game to Wabale. Perhaps, Mayur Kadam's presence prompted Bengal to keep Wabale on the bench. It will be better for both parties if they part ways ahead of the next season.
#4 Arjun Rathi
Signed for a massive ₹41 lakh at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction, Arjun Rathi failed to live up to the expectations in the Bengal jersey. The left-raider scored only nine points in the four matches he got to play.
Rathi averaged less than three points per game. Considering his hefty price tag, Rathi is unlikely to receive another contract from the Bengal team.
#5 Aditya Shinde
Left corner Aditya Shinde was retained by the Warriorz ahead of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction. A retained player is always under pressure to deliver, but Shinde crumbled.
Due to Fazel Atrachali's presence, Shinde got only seven matches in season 11. In those seven games, Shinde earned three points at a strike rate of 40%. The Warriorz will think twice before retaining him for PKL 12.
