NEWS
When an experienced coach like Randhir Singh gives the nickname ‘The Bulldozer’ to a 20-year old, that youngster has to have something special. After Bulldozers are so famous in India (who can forget ‘JCB ki Khudai’!). And that is exactly the case with Bengaluru Bulls’ most dependable and PKL 2019’s most expensive defender – Mahender Singh!
The left cover has become one of the best defenders of the league in just a couple of season. But who is this youngster that is causing waves in the country’s kabaddi circle? Let’s get to know Mahender Mahi Singh- the Bulldozer- Mahender Mahi Singh a little better:
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mahender Singh |
| Age | 23 |
| Sport Category | Kabaddi |
| Date of Birth | 10 January 1996 |
| Hometown | Mandi, Himachal Pradesh |
| Height | 5' 6'' |
| Weight | 84 |
| Coach | Randhir Singh |
| Teams Played for | Bengaluru Bulls |
| Playing Position | Left Cover, Defence |
Mahender was born on 10th December 1996 in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Unlike its neighbouring states, Himachal Pradesh is not the most famous state for Kabaddi. And it took young Mahender a little while to be introduced to Kabaddi due to that. He started playing Kabaddi at the age of 14.
But that was hardly an issue for Mahender as his skills and hard work helped him scale one ladder after another. He started playing for Services at the age of 19, just five years after stepping on the Kabaddi field.
Randhir Singh is known for his scouting skills. The veteran coach can identify a young and exciting prospect from the corner of an eye. And he worked his magic once again, bringing a 20-year old Mahender Singh to the Bengaluru Bulls squad for PKL 5.
It was a dream come true and a fanboy moment for the young defender. Fan Boy?
Yes, Mahender was inspired by Rohit Kumar in Kabaddi and tried to be an aggressive player like his hero. And the 20-year old got an opportunity to play under Rohit Kumar’s leadership at Bengaluru Bulls.
But once the season started, it was all business for the left cover. Never throughout the season, did it feel like it was Mahender’s debut season. He made the left cover place his own with constant brilliant performances.
In one of the games against UP Yoddha, Mahender won record-equalling 10 tackle points, including two super tackles – That’s as good and rare as an ODI Double Century! The Bulldozer gathered 57 tackle points throughout the season, 9th best in the league and best for Bengaluru Bulls. He was also the best left-cover defender of season 5. For his exceptional performance in the debut season, Mahender was named the Most Dependable Player of the Season.
After Mahender’s performances in PKL 5, Bengaluru Bulls could not afford to lose him the next season. And the Bulls repurchased him for ₹40 lakh in the auction. And it turned out to be a bargain price at the end.
If it was Pawan Kumar Sehrawat who won the PKL title for Bengaluru Bulls in the attack, Mahender Singh won it in defence. The left cover was on fire throughout the season and was Bengaluru’s best defender once again. Mahender won 63 tackle points in 24 games, sixth-best in the league. The defender had 6 High 5s throughout the season, second-best in the league.
Along with his performances at the Pro Kabaddi League, Mahender has also been an integral part of the Services team for the past couple of years. The defender has handled the left cover as Services have made it to the final of 65th and 66th Senior National Kabaddi Championship. (2017-18 and 2018-19)
Unfortunately, the Services have failed to win either of the finals, losing to Maharashtra in the 2017-18 season and Indian Railways the next year. But both Mahender and Services have somewhat made up for two final defeats with victory at the 2018 Federation Cup.
| SEASONS | 7 Season | 6 Season | 5 Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATCHES PLAYED | 12 | 24 | 22 |
| TOTAL POINTS EARNED | 41 | 63 | 58 |
| MOST POINTS IN A MATCH | 7 | 6 | 10 |
| NOT OUT % | 100 % | 80 % | 100 % |
| NO OF SUPER TACKLES | 7 | 1 | 5 |
| HIGH 5S | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| TOTAL TACKLE POINTS | 41 | 63 | 57 |
| AVERAGE TACKLE / MATCH | 2.83 | 2.58 | 2.36 |
| TOTAL TACKLES | 73 | 122 | 113 |
| TACKLE STRIKE RATE | 56.16 % | 51.63 % | 50.44 % |
updated as of 6th September 2019
He is called the Bulldozer for a reason! It is Mahender’s sheer strength which helps him use the full force for dashing the raider out of the playing area. The defender has used this move several times and has come out on top against some of the strongest raiders in the league. Mahender is also quick enough to run to the other end of the court in order to perform the dash. With time, Mahender has also become one of the most dangerous defenders in the super tackle situations.
Mahender was once again bought back by the Bulls for season seven. But this time, the defender cost them twice the amount he did a year before – ₹80 lakh. Mahender also became the most expensive defender in the PKL 2019 auction. And if he continues to perform the way he does, it won’t be long before the Bulldozer becomes the most expensive defender in the PKL history. And the Team India call-up, that’s just around the corner!
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