Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: Bengaluru Bulls' predicted starting lineup 

Over the course of season 3 and 4, Bengaluru Bulls managed to score 46 points in total. That’s less than what Patna Pirates achieved in season 4 alone (52 points). There is simply no other way to put it, the Bulls have been dismal over the past two editions. Rarely managing to display a string of good performances, they simply haven’t showed up.

Quality opposition teams have used them as side against whom they can try playing their young raiders and defenders – never a good sign. But they’ve managed to make some shrewd signings at the auction this time. One thing is for sure, they will no longer be easy pushovers like before. On that note, let’s take a look at their predicted starting line-up.

#1 Rohit Kumar

Keeping aside his personal issues, Rohit Kumar is a stellar raider and one of the best in the business. Any team that takes him lightly will be doing so at their own peril. Season 4 was a tad bit disappointing for Kumar by his own standards. He scored a massive 93 raid points but he realises that 100 points ought to be the bare minimum.

Alongside captaincy responsibilities, Rohit will be keen to ensure he continues to do damage in the raiding department.

#2 Ajay Kumar

Ajay is fearless in do or die situations

If there’s one raider who could possible displace Rajesh Mondal as the best do or die raider in the league, it’s Ajay Kumar. He moves across the mat with supreme confidence, you’d never realise that he’s played only 15 matches so far. With a 41% success rate, he matches Rahul Chaudhari. This percentage is bound to dip as he plays more matches but Ajay will provide some much-needed relief to Rohit when the later has his off days.

#3 Ashish Kumar

The third Kumar on this list will be tasked with one of the most important roles in the team. Ashish will operate primarily as a defender but will also raid from time to time. The all-rounder was part of Bengaluru last time as well but was let down by his raiders. This time, he has stellar raiders for company and can focus a lot more on what he’s good at – defending from the cover positions.

#4 Ravinder Pahal

An emotional Pahal will have to be disciplined at the corner

The sight of Manjeet Chhillar engaged in a heated argument with Ravinder Pahal was an everyday scenario when Puneri Paltan played last season. The more experienced Manjeet pushed Pahal to the limit and ultimately got the best out of him. At the end of season 4, the left corner finished as the eighth best raider in the league with an impressive 37 points to his name. This time around he has nobody to look up to, he will be leading the back line.

#5 Preetam Chhillar

With options in the defensive department few and far between, Preetam will bring in some much needed experience at the back line. He has 42 matches under his belt and was part of the star-studded Puneri Paltan team last time around. Preetam was a regular starter there and will no doubt start for the Bulls as well. Calm and composed, he will be Pahal’s right hand man and will ensure the back line doesn’t crumble in crunch situations.

#6 Gurvinder Singh

Gurvinder is extremely quick off the block

At U Mumba, Gurvinder found it hard to build momentum but he’s an extremely agile athlete who will act as the third raider in the talented outfit. Extremely quick off the block, Gurvinder’s nimble feet makes him an extremely dangerous attacker. His ability to coerce defenders into making mistakes sets him apart from the rest. At Bengaluru, he has a good opportunity to prove his credentials.

#7 Kuldeep Singh

The least experienced among the seven, Kuldeep Singh will complete the quartet of defenders for Bengaluru. He’s played only 4 matches till date but will in all likelihood start considering the fact that the Bulls have 5 other defenders, none of whom have played a single match in the league. A couple of them will no doubt be handed debuts but Kuldeep should edge them in the starting line-up for the initial matches.