Bengaluru Bulls: The Pride of Pro Kabaddi League in 2025

NIRAMANDHAN September 23, 2025

Introduction

Few franchises have ignited as much passion among Kabaddi fans as the Bengaluru Bulls. From their championship-winning campaigns to bold strategic overhauls, the Bulls serve as a beacon of sporting excellence for aspirants and veterans alike. Anchored in Bengaluru, the team features a mix of experienced stalwarts and hungry young talents, making every season a saga worth following. The 2025 PKL season has marked a vibrant turning point, featuring exhilarating victories, innovative coaching, and a renewed commitment to fans and the city.prokabaddi+1

The Rise of the Bengaluru Bulls

Roots and Early Triumphs

Founded in 2014, Bengaluru Bulls quickly distinguished themselves in PKL’s inaugural season, securing a playoff berth and cementing their status as league heavyweights. With a fourth-place finish in Season I and a runner-up title in Season II, the Bulls built a tradition of fighting every game until the final whistle. Their first championship came in Season 6 (2018–19), beating Gujarat Fortune Giants and capturing the imagination of fans nationwide.wikipedia+1

Leadership and Strategic Overhaul

Led by energetic owners and a visionary management team, the Bulls have continually adapted their rosters and strategies. Their willingness to refresh coaching staff and invest heavily in top talent has made them perennial contenders. In 2025, after a disappointing finish in Season 11, the Bulls undertook a complete reset—replacing legendary coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat with the two-time PKL-winning tactician BC Ramesh. This move, along with a historic INR 4.949 crore squad investment, signaled their unyielding ambition.business-standard+2

Bengaluru Bulls 2025: Squad, Strengths, and Strategies

Squad Overview

The Bulls’ squad for 2025 is a dazzling blend of experience and youthful promise, built around defensive fortitude and developing raiders:mykhel+2

PlayerPositionSpecialty
Yogesh DahiyaDefender, CaptainRight Corner, Leadership
Ankush RatheeDefenderLeft Corner, Tackling
Akash ShindeRaiderFast Raids, Agility
PankajRaiderConsistent Points
Manjeet ThakurRaiderPower Plays
Aashish MalikRaiderYoung Talent, Quick Feet
Ganesha HanamantagolRaiderSupport Raids
Alireza MirzaianAll-RounderVersatile, International
Dheeraj RajveerAll-RounderDefense, Covers
Sanjay DhullDefenderRight Cover

This season’s Bulls are tough at the back, boasting India's most expensive defender (Yogesh Dahiya, INR 1.125 crore) and agile covers like Ankush Rathee. The attack leans on rising stars—Akash Shinde (nearly 300 PKL raid points), Pankaj, Manjeet, and emerging sensation Aashish Malik—demonstrating dynamic tactical shifts under BC Ramesh’s stewardship.prokabaddi+1

Defensive Wall

The Bulls have always been celebrated for their uncompromising defensive lines. In 2025, this reputation has only grown stronger, as Yogesh Dahiya captains a unit that is both disciplined and explosive, supported by stalwarts Ankush Rathee and Sanjay Dhull. Their ability to thwart opposition raids, execute super tackles, and keep the scoreboard in check has been the backbone of this year’s resurgence.prokabaddi+2

Attacking Innovation

While defenders rule the headlines, the Bulls’ raiding corps is quietly building chemistry. Akash Shinde’s smart raids, Aashish Malik’s willingness to learn, and the reliability of Pankaj have kept the Bulls competitive even when facing superstar opponents. Fans have watched with excitement as young raiders adapt quickly, absorb coaching advice, and deliver clutch performances.prokabaddi+1

2025 Season: Highlights and Performance Review

Turnaround After Season 11

Season 11 proved challenging, with the Bulls finishing at the table’s bottom for the first time. The resulting overhaul, led by BC Ramesh, provided a new direction and energy, focusing on discipline, youth, and grit.prokabaddi+1

Key Matches

  • August 29 vs Puneri Paltan: The Bulls kicked off their campaign with a tightly-fought match at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vijag.business-standard

  • September 22 vs Gujarat Giants: Marked by resilience and tactical brilliance, the Bulls registered a decisive 28-24 win, spearheaded by Yogesh Dahiya’s defensive heroics and clutch raid points from Akash Shinde.business-standard+2

  • Four-Win Streak: The Bulls achieved four wins in their last five fixtures, demonstrating improved coordination and strategic flexibility as they challenged top-ranked teams.business-standard+1

Schedule Snapshot

DateOpponentVenue
Aug 29, 2025Puneri PaltanRajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium
Sep 5, 2025U MumbaRajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium
Sep 6, 2025Patna PiratesRajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium
Sep 8, 2025Haryana SteelersRajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium
Sep 12, 2025Jaipur Pink PanthersSMS Indoor Stadium

Fans can stream all matches live on Star Sports Network and the JioHotstar app.business-standard

Star Players and Emerging Talents

Yogesh Dahiya: The Defensive Maestro

Appointed captain for 2025, Yogesh Dahiya has set the standard for leadership, focus, and intensity. He consistently rakes up High Five performances—five or more tackles in a game—and supports his attackers while controlling defensive transitions. His INR 1.125 crore valuation is well-deserved, given his match-shaping influence.instagram+1

Akash Shinde & Aashish Malik: The Young Guns

Akash Shinde, bringing nearly 300 PKL raid points, forms the Bulls’ offensive spearhead, while Aashish Malik’s fast adaptation and energy have impressed both coaching staff and fans. Together, they represent the future core of the squad—agility, hunger, and tactical growth.prokabaddi+1

Ankush Rathee & Sanjay Dhull: Defensive Fortress

Ankush Rathee, renowned as Season 9’s Best Defender, patrols the left corner with vigilance, ably supported by covers like Sanjay Dhull. Their veteran instincts bring balance and anticipation to the defensive structure.wikipedia+1

Coaching Excellence: The BC Ramesh Effect

Tactical Evolution

When BC Ramesh took over, his vision was clear: restore the Bulls as title contenders through discipline, nurturing of young players, and tactical acumen. Ramesh’s championship pedigree (winning titles with both Bulls and Bengal Warriors) and his calm, analytical approach have translated to better in-game management, efficient rotations, and player accountability.prokabaddi+1

Youth Development and Team Culture

Under Ramesh and his staff, the team prioritizes personal growth alongside on-field performance. Up-and-coming players are given room to make mistakes, learn, and thrive—evident in Aashish Malik’s ongoing improvement and the reinvention of squad chemistry.prokabaddi

Fan Engagement and City Connection

Bulls and Bengaluru: A Shared Identity

The Bulls are not just a kabaddi team—they are woven into the very fabric of Bengaluru. Home matches at the Kanteerava Indoor Stadium are electrifying, always full of local pride and passionate support. The Bulls’ social media outreach, particularly their Instagram channel, has built a vibrant digital community for fans to celebrate, discuss, and organize meet-ups.instagram+1

The #GoBullGo Movement

Fans proudly sporting the #GoBullGo hashtag turn every matchday into a festival, energizing the players and lifting city spirit. This vibrant relationship between team and fans is a case study in successful sporting brand-building.

Bengaluru Bulls’ Impact on Indian Kabaddi

Inspiring a New Generation

The Bulls’ commitment to youth development, local player scouting, and professional training has inspired countless athletes across Karnataka and southern India to pursue the sport.business-standard+1

Technical Advancement and Legacy

Investments in analytics, fitness, and psychological preparation have set new standards league-wide, making the Bulls a model franchise for future PKL teams. Their championship history and regular playoff runs have elevated the visibility of Kabaddi as a mainstream sport.wikipedia+1

SEO-Optimized Key Takeaways

  • Bengaluru Bulls are PKL’s perennial contenders, boasting a rich legacy and national influence.wikipedia+2

  • The 2025 season marks a strategic renaissance, with a high-value squad and a championship-proven head coach.prokabaddi+1

  • Defensive strength, led by captain Yogesh Dahiya, and emerging raiders ensure that the Bulls can compete with the best.prokabaddi+1

  • Match highlights, schedule details, and live streaming information offer fans a complete experience.business-standard

  • The franchise continues to serve as an inspiration for youth, shaping the future of Indian kabaddi with its grassroots initiatives.prokabaddi

Conclusion: Bulls Charging Forward

As PKL Season 12 unfolds, the Bengaluru Bulls remain a team to watch—dynamic, accountable, and hungry for another title run. Their story is not just about winning matches; it’s about cultural leadership, technical advancement, and the power of sport to unite a city. Fans can expect relentless action, passionate engagement, and continuous evolution as the Bulls charge ahead into the future—truly the pride of Bengaluru and Indian Kabaddi.business-standard

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