PKL 11: Maninder Singh confirms Fazel Atrachali as new Bengal Warriorz captain
In a significant move ahead of the 11th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the Bengal Warriorz have announced Fazel Atrachali as their new captain. The Iranian star, who joined the Kolkata-based franchise at the PKL 11 player auction, will take over the captaincy responsibility from Maninder Singh.
Maninder Singh, who has been an integral part of the Bengal Warriorz and led the team in the previous season, will continue to be a crucial player for the franchise but will no longer be the skipper. While the Warriorz have yet to make an official announcement, the team's star raider, Maninder Singh, confirmed the change in captaincy during an interview with Star Sports.
"Fazel has been a very dear friend to me. We had gone to Iran and visited his family which was a very warm experience. We used to discuss this over video calls as well. Him joining our team is very exciting for all of us," Maninder said.
"Fazel wanted me to be the captain and I wanted him to be the captain. Today, we have decided that he will be the captain. Now that he is the captain we will back him whenever he needs us," he concluded.
Fazel Atrachali, a seasoned campaigner in the PKL, brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities to the table. He captained the Gujarat Giants in the previous season and led them to a top-6 finish. The Iranian star's presence is expected to bolster the Warriorz's chances of securing a playoff berth in this year's tournament.
Many fans were surprised to see the Gujarat-based franchise release Atrachali before the auction. Gujarat coach Ram Mehar Singh did not even try to re-sign the Iranian star, allowing Bengal Warriorz to acquire his services for a relatively modest sum of ₹50 lakh.
The appointment of Fazel Atrachali as captain is a strategic move by the Bengal Warriorz. The Iranian star's defensive and leadership skills can significantly improve the team's overall performance. With Fazel at the helm, the Warriorz will be aiming to make a deep run in the tournament and challenge for the title.
The 11th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League promises to be an exciting one, with several high-profile players and teams vying for the championship. The Bengal Warriorz, under the leadership of Fazel Atrachali, will be looking to make their mark and establish themselves as one of the top contenders in the league.
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