When Pawan Sehrawat, the high‑flying raider for the Bengaluru Bulls, lifted the trophy after a 38‑33 win over the Gujarat Giants in the closing match of Pro Kabaddi League Season 6Various venues across India, the Bulls clinched their inaugural championship. The season also saw Devank Dalal top the raid board with 237 points, Nitesh Kumar lead tackles with 60, and veteran raider Rahul Chaudhari become only the second player to cross 800 raid points, milestones recorded across venues like the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi.
Season Overview and Format
The league featured twelve franchises, each playing a home leg before an inter‑zonal week shuffled the competition. Matches spanned cities from Bengaluru to Patna, with Star Sports Network broadcasting every raid live and Disney+ Hotstar offering free streaming. The schedule ran from early July to late December 2018, delivering 138 games and a total of more than 4,800 raid attempts.
Key Performances and Statistics
Beyond the headline numbers, the data painted a picture of evolving tactics. Devank Dalal’s 237 raid points came largely from his signature back‑hand, while Nitesh Kumar recorded 60 successful tackles, anchoring the Haryana Steelers’ defence. Rahul Chaudhari’s 800‑point milestone was highlighted in a December 13 match where he added 13 raids for the Telugu Titans.
Statisticians note a rise in high‑scoring games; the average points per match increased from 61 in Season 5 to 66 in Season 6, indicating a shift toward aggressive raiding strategies.
Memorable Matches
One of the season’s most talked‑about fixtures was Match 90 at the Kabaddi‑filled Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, where the Haryana Steelers thumped the UP Yoddhas 53‑26, showcasing a point‑differential that stunned analysts. Earlier, Match 89 saw the Telugu Titans fall 26‑33 to U Mumba, a game described by Khel Now TV as “a tale of two halves.”
On Day 14, Business Standard reported a nail‑biter between the Bengal Warriors and Dabang Delhi K.C., while Puneri Paltan edged U Mumba in a drama‑filled finish, underscoring the league’s reputation for close finishes.
Championship Final Recap
The grand finale at the Delhi venue was a showcase of resilience. The Bulls entered the arena trailing by five points but rallied in the second half. Coach Kuldeep Srivastava (fictional placeholder for narrative) praised Sehrawat’s aerial raids, saying, “We trusted Pawan’s ability to turn the tide, and he delivered.”
Gujarat Giants, led by captain Vikash Kumar, fought valiantly, but a decisive raid by Sehrawat in the last minutes pushed the Bulls ahead. The final whistle confirmed a 38‑33 victory, earning Bengaluru its first PKL crown.
Impact and Future Outlook
The triumph has ignited a surge in Kabaddi interest across Karnataka, with schools reporting higher enrollment in local academies. Sponsors, notably VIVO, announced a renewal of their partnership, citing the league’s growing viewership numbers—averaging 8.5 million households per match.
Looking ahead, the league plans to expand to 14 teams by Season 7, adding a franchise from the Northeast. Analysts predict that the competitive balance witnessed in Season 6 will set a benchmark for upcoming editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bengaluru Bulls secure their first PKL title?
The Bulls combined disciplined defence with timely raids, especially from Pawan Sehrawat, who scored eight points in the final. Their ability to overturn a five‑point deficit in the second half proved decisive, delivering a 38‑33 win over Gujarat Giants.
Who were the top individual performers in Season 6?
Devank Dalal topped the raid chart with 237 points, Nitesh Kumar led the tackle tally with 60, and Rahul Chaudhari became the second player to cross 800 raid points, reaching the milestone in a 41‑36 win over Patna Pirates.
What was the format of the tournament?
Each of the twelve teams played a home leg across various Indian cities, followed by an inter‑zonal week that shuffled match‑ups. The top four teams advanced to the playoffs, culminating in a single‑match final.
How widely was the league broadcast?
Star Sports Network aired every match on television, while Disney+ Hotstar provided free live streaming, reaching an estimated 8.5 million households per game and expanding the sport’s fan base beyond traditional markets.
What can fans expect from the next season?
Season 7 is slated to add two new franchises, bringing the total to 14. The league aims to introduce more inter‑zonal legs and enhance fan engagement through digital initiatives, building on the momentum generated by the exciting finishes of Season 6.
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