Bengaluru Bulls Squad 2026: Full Player List, Key Stars and PKL 13 Outlook
The Bengaluru Bulls squad heads into PKL Season 13 with one of the most interesting rebuild stories in the league. After a bruising Season 11, the Bulls kept only four players, rebuilt almost from scratch at the Season 12 auction, and finished third with the best score difference of any team. This guide covers every player from that roster, the stars who carried the team, the contracts that carry into Season 13, and the gaps the franchise still needs to fill.
Last updated: October 26, 2026. The official Season 13 squad will be confirmed after the retention announcement and player auction. Until then, this page lists the complete Season 12 roster and the players already tied to the club for the new season.
Bengaluru Bulls Squad: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Home city | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| PKL titles | 1 (Season 6, beat Gujarat Fortune Giants 38-33) |
| Other finals | Runners-up in Season 2 |
| Season 12 finish | 3rd in the league (11 wins, 7 losses, 22 points) |
| Season 12 score difference | +97, the best in the league |
| Season 12 playoff exit | Lost the Mini-Qualifier to Telugu Titans and Eliminator 2 to Patna Pirates |
| Players retained before Season 12 | 4 (Chandranaik M, Lucky Kumar, Manjeet, Pankaj) |
| Biggest Season 12 signing | Yogesh Dahiya, INR 1.125 crore |
| Season 13 squad status | To be confirmed after retentions and the auction |
Bengaluru Bulls Squad 2026: Full Season 12 Player List
The roster below is the complete Bengaluru Bulls squad from Season 12, grouped by role as listed in the official squad release after the auction. Season 12 stats are included where they are available.
Raiders
| Player | Position | Season 12 Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Akash Santosh Shinde | Raider | 62 raid points in 15 matches |
| Aashish Malik | Right raider | 83 raid points in 18 matches |
| Ganesha B. Hanamantagol | Right raider | 35 raid points in 15 matches |
| Pirati Srisivatejesh | Left raider | Did not feature |
| Manjeet | Raider | Squad option |
| Pankaj | Raider | Squad option |
| Shubham Bitake | Raider | Squad option |
| Mahipal | Raider | Squad option |
Defenders
| Player | Position | Season 12 Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Yogesh Dahiya | Right corner | 51 tackle points in 19 matches |
| Deepak S | Left corner | 64 tackle points in 19 matches |
| Sanjay Dhull | Right cover | Bought for INR 60 lakh |
| Lucky Kumar | Right cover | Retained before the auction |
| Satyappa Matti | Right cover | Squad option |
| Shubham Rahate | Left cover | Squad option |
| Ankush | Left corner | Squad option |
| Manish | Defender | Squad option |
All-Rounders and Overseas Players
| Player | Type | Season 12 Note |
|---|---|---|
| Alireza Mirzaeian (Iran) | All-rounder, overseas | 197 raid points in 20 matches; signed for INR 14 lakh |
| Ahmadreza Asgari (Iran) | All-rounder, overseas | Signed for INR 13 lakh |
| Dheeraj | All-rounder | Signed for INR 40.20 lakh |
| Chandranaik M | All-rounder | Retained before the auction |
| Amit Singh Thakur | All-rounder | Squad option |
| Sahil Suhas Rane | All-rounder | Squad option |
| Sachin | All-rounder | Squad option |
During the season, the Bulls also added left corner Jitender Yadav as a replacement player. He featured in nine matches and scored nine tackle points, giving the defence extra cover when injuries struck.
Key Players in the Bengaluru Bulls Squad
Every good PKL team has a handful of players who decide its season. For the Bengaluru Bulls squad in Season 12, four names stood out above the rest.
Here is a quick summary of the leading names before the detailed profiles.
| Player | Role | Season 12 Impact | Contract or Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alireza Mirzaeian | All-rounder (Iran) | 197 raid points in 20 matches | INR 14 lakh |
| Yogesh Dahiya | Right corner | 51 tackle points in 19 matches | INR 1.125 crore |
| Deepak S | Left corner | 64 tackle points in 19 matches | Young-player contract |
| Aashish Malik | Right raider | 83 raid points in 18 matches | Young-player contract |
| Akash Shinde | Raider | 62 raid points in 15 matches | INR 53.10 lakh |
Alireza Mirzaeian: The Bargain of the Auction
Few signings in recent PKL history have delivered more value than Alireza Mirzaeian. The Iranian was bought for just INR 14 lakh and finished the season with 197 raid points from 20 matches. He became the focal point of the attack, often carrying the raiding load when the more expensive options struggled. His performances turned him from an unknown overseas buy into one of the most talked-about raiders in the league, and he is the first name any Bulls fan would want on the Season 13 team sheet.
Yogesh Dahiya: The Record Defender
Yogesh Dahiya arrived as the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history at the time, costing INR 1.125 crore. A right corner with years of experience, he finished with 51 tackle points in 19 matches. Beyond the numbers, he gave a rebuilt defence a calm, experienced leader. His high salary makes him the single biggest retention decision in the Bengaluru Bulls squad heading into Season 13.
Deepak S: The Quiet Corner
Left corner Deepak S was arguably the most underrated player on the roster. He recorded 64 tackle points in 19 matches, more than any other Bulls defender, and formed a reliable corner pairing with Yogesh. Fan contract trackers report that he enters the second year of a young-player deal, which would keep him at the club automatically for Season 13.
Aashish Malik and Akash Shinde: The Support Raiders
Young right raider Aashish Malik chipped in with 83 raid points in 18 matches, a strong return for a player still early in his PKL career. Akash Shinde, signed for INR 53.10 lakh to lead the attack, managed 62 raid points in 15 matches. That was below the level he reached at Puneri Paltan, but his experience still makes him a valuable option.
How the Bengaluru Bulls Squad Was Built for Season 12
The story of the Season 12 Bengaluru Bulls squad starts with a near-total reset. After a disappointing Season 11, the franchise retained only four players before the auction: all-rounder Chandranaik M, right cover Lucky Kumar, and raiders Manjeet and Pankaj. That gave the Bulls one of the biggest purses in the room and the freedom to rebuild.
Season 12 Auction Signings
| Player | Role | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Yogesh Dahiya | Right corner | INR 1.125 crore |
| Sanjay Dhull | Right cover | INR 60 lakh |
| Akash Shinde | Raider | INR 53.10 lakh |
| Dheeraj | Left cover / all-rounder | INR 40.20 lakh |
| Alireza Mirzaeian | Overseas all-rounder | INR 14 lakh |
| Ahmadreza Asgari | Overseas all-rounder | INR 13 lakh |
The plan was clear: buy proven defenders, add an experienced raider, and gamble cheaply on overseas talent. The defensive purchases paid off, and the overseas gamble on Mirzaeian paid off spectacularly. For a wider look at where these prices sit in PKL history, see our ranking of the highest-paid PKL players.
Bengaluru Bulls Season 12 Review
The rebuilt Bengaluru Bulls squad surprised many observers. The team won 11 of its 18 league matches, collected 22 points, and finished third. Its score difference of +97 was the best in the entire league, better even than table-toppers Puneri Paltan at +88. That number shows a team that did not just win, but often won comfortably.
The Playoff Disappointment
Finishing third gave the Bulls a place in the Mini-Qualifier against fourth-placed Telugu Titans. They lost that match, dropped into Eliminator 2, and were then knocked out by a Patna Pirates side that was in the middle of a remarkable run from seventh place. Two knockout defeats in a row ended a season that had promised much more. You can see exactly where every team finished on our PKL points table page.
Season 12 by the Numbers
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| League position | 3rd |
| Matches played | 18 |
| Wins / losses | 11 / 7 |
| League points | 22 |
| Score difference | +97 (best in the league) |
| Top raider | Alireza Mirzaeian, 197 raid points |
| Top defender | Deepak S, 64 tackle points |
Bengaluru Bulls Squad Contract Status for PKL 13
Before the official retention list arrives, some parts of the Bengaluru Bulls squad are already settled by contract. Players in the second year of a two-season New Young Player deal stay automatically. Fan contract trackers report the following situation.
| Player | Category | Season 13 Position |
|---|---|---|
| Aashish Malik | Existing New Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Ganesha Hanamantagol | Existing New Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Pirati Tejesh | Existing New Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Deepak S | Existing New Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Alireza Mirzaeian | Retention decision | Strong retention candidate |
| Yogesh Dahiya | Retention decision | Depends on purse strategy |
| Akash Shinde | Retention decision | Depends on purse strategy |
The Yogesh Dahiya Question
Retaining a defender who cost more than INR 1 crore would take a large slice of the purse. The alternative is to release him and try to bring him back with a Final Bid Match card, which carries the risk of the price climbing even higher. How the Bulls handle this one decision will shape their whole auction strategy.
Strengths of the Bengaluru Bulls Squad
A Deep, Balanced Defence
Yogesh Dahiya and Deepak S gave the Bulls one of the best corner combinations in the league, and the cover options, including Sanjay Dhull and Lucky Kumar, offered depth. This defensive base is a big reason the score difference was so strong.
Overseas Value
The Bulls spent just INR 27 lakh combined on their two Iranian all-rounders. Getting 197 raid points from one of them was a huge return on investment.
Young Players With Upside
Aashish Malik, Ganesha Hanamantagol, and Deepak S all showed they can contribute at PKL level. With contracts reportedly carrying into Season 13, they give the squad continuity without a big salary cost.
Weaknesses the Bengaluru Bulls Squad Must Fix
Knockout Performance
A team with the league’s best score difference should not lose two playoff games in a row. Closing out tight knockout matches is the clearest area for improvement.
A Reliable Indian Lead Raider
Akash Shinde was signed to lead the attack but did not reach his best level. Relying heavily on an overseas raider is risky, so a dependable Indian strike raider is likely a priority.
Coaching Transition
Randhir Singh Sehrawat coached the Bulls from Season 1 to Season 11 and led them to the Season 6 title. He has now joined Gujarat Giants as head coach for Season 13. The Bulls’ identity was built around his methods, so continuity on and off the mat matters.
Bengaluru Bulls Squad Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Deep, balanced defence | Knockout results (two straight playoff defeats) |
| Best score difference in the league (+97) | No reliable Indian lead raider |
| Outstanding overseas value | Coaching change after Randhir Singh Sehrawat left |
| Young players under contract | High cost of keeping Yogesh Dahiya |
What Bengaluru Bulls Need at the PKL 13 Auction
Based on Season 12, these are the areas the franchise is most likely to target. Our PKL Season 13 auction guide explains how the bidding process works.
Priority 1: An Indian Strike Raider
A proven Indian raider who can score consistently would ease the pressure on Mirzaeian and give the attack a second threat.
Priority 2: Defensive Continuity
Keeping, or buying back, the Yogesh-Deepak corner pairing would preserve the base of a defence that worked.
Priority 3: Knockout Experience
Players with playoff experience could help a talented group turn a strong league stage into a deep postseason run.
Bengaluru Bulls Auction Priority Table
| Priority | Target | Urgency | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian strike raider | High | Reduce reliance on Alireza Mirzaeian |
| 2 | Keep the corner pairing | High | Yogesh Dahiya and Deepak S anchored the defence |
| 3 | Knockout experience | Medium | Two playoff defeats ended Season 12 |
Bengaluru Bulls Squad: Likely Core for Season 13
The table below shows the players most likely to form the core of the Bengaluru Bulls squad, based on Season 12 form and reported contract status. It is analysis, not an official line-up.
| Role | Likely Core Options |
|---|---|
| Lead raider | Alireza Mirzaeian |
| Support raiders | Aashish Malik, Akash Shinde |
| Right corner | Yogesh Dahiya (if retained) |
| Left corner | Deepak S |
| Covers | To be decided at the auction |
For the latest on every franchise’s schedule and outlook, visit the main Bengaluru Bulls team page.
Bengaluru Bulls Squad History: A Quick Look Back
The Bulls were one of the league’s founding franchises in 2014. They reached the final in Season 2, losing to U Mumba, and finally won the title in Season 6 by beating Gujarat Fortune Giants 38-33. Over the years, the franchise became known for developing raiders, with Pawan Kumar Sehrawat the most famous example of a player who grew into a superstar in Bengaluru colours. The Season 12 rebuild showed that the club can still find hidden talent, and the challenge now is turning that talent into a second title.
Bengaluru Bulls Key Milestones
| Season | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Season 1 (2014) | Founding franchise |
| Season 2 (2015) | Runners-up, lost to U Mumba 36-30 |
| Season 6 (2018-19) | Champions, beat Gujarat Fortune Giants 38-33 |
| Season 12 (2025) | 3rd in the league, best score difference (+97) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the Bengaluru Bulls squad for PKL 13 been announced?
Not yet. The final Season 13 squad will be confirmed after the official retention list and the player auction. This page lists the full Season 12 roster and the players reportedly tied to the club for Season 13.
Who was the best raider in the Bengaluru Bulls squad in Season 12?
Iranian all-rounder Alireza Mirzaeian was the top raider, scoring 197 raid points in 20 matches after being signed for just INR 14 lakh.
Who is the most expensive player in the Bengaluru Bulls squad?
Right corner Yogesh Dahiya was the most expensive Season 12 signing at INR 1.125 crore, which made him the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history at the time.
Where did Bengaluru Bulls finish in Season 12?
They finished third in the league with 11 wins and the best score difference of +97, before losing to Telugu Titans in the Mini-Qualifier and Patna Pirates in Eliminator 2.
How many titles have Bengaluru Bulls won?
One. Bengaluru Bulls won the PKL title in Season 6, beating Gujarat Fortune Giants 38-33 in the final.
Which young players could stay in the Bengaluru Bulls squad?
Fan contract trackers report that Aashish Malik, Ganesha Hanamantagol, Pirati Tejesh, and Deepak S enter the second year of young-player deals, which would keep them at the club automatically.
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