News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/16th August 2024
Pardeep Narwal, a celebrated name in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), is making headlines with his return to the Bengaluru Bulls after a nine-year hiatus. Known for his exceptional skills and record-breaking performances, Narwal’s rejoining the Bulls is one of the most talked-about events in the PKL’s 11th season.
The anticipation around Narwal’s auction in Season 11 was palpable. As his name was announced, a hush fell over the room. Dabang Delhi opened the bidding with a base price of Rs 20 lakhs. The auctioneer’s initial surprise at the lack of immediate bids was soon replaced by excitement as the Bengaluru Bulls and U Mumba entered the fray. The competition intensified quickly, with U Mumba initially raising the bid to Rs 45 lakhs. However, the Bulls, led by coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat, pushed the bid higher, eventually securing Narwal for Rs 70 lakhs.
The decision by the UP Yoddhas not to use their FBM (Final Bid Match) card was particularly surprising, considering they had previously acquired Bharat, another key player from Bengaluru Bulls. This strategic move allowed Narwal to return to the Bulls, where he aims to continue his storied career. At 27, Narwal remains a dominant force in the league, having accumulated the most points by a raider in PKL history.
Narwal’s influence on the Pro Kabaddi League has been profound since the league’s inception. His unique playing style and consistent performance have earned him a cult following. His ability to dismantle defenses, exemplified by his record of eliminating six opponents in a single raid against the Haryana Steelers, showcases his prowess on the mat.
Narwal’s early success with the Patna Pirates cemented his place in PKL history. Joining the Pirates in Season 3, he played a pivotal role in their first championship win, alongside Rohit Kumar. Despite missing the finals due to injury, Narwal’s contribution was crucial in the subsequent season’s title defense, where he scored 16 points in the final match.
The introduction of four new teams in the league did not deter Narwal’s dominance. His impressive tally of 369 raid points in a single season led the Pirates to their third PKL title. Narwal continued his exceptional form over the next two seasons, accumulating 233 and 304 points, respectively. His achievement of becoming the first player to reach 1000 points in PKL history underscored his unparalleled skill and consistency.
However, the 2021-22 season saw Narwal’s departure from the Patna Pirates, a move that surprised many fans. UP Yoddhas seized the opportunity, investing Rs 1.65 crore to bring him on board. Narwal’s contributions helped the Yoddhas reach the playoffs in his first two seasons with them. Despite facing injury setbacks and a subsequent drop in form, which led to the team missing the playoffs for the first time, Narwal’s impact on the league remained significant.
As Pardeep Narwal returns to Bengaluru Bulls, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his presence will influence the team’s performance in the upcoming season. His return not only reaffirms his status as one of the league’s greatest raiders but also adds a new dimension to the Bulls’ lineup, promising exciting matches ahead.
