The Bengaluru Bulls’ journey this season underscores a valuable lesson in humility and self-reflection. For Sehrawat, a seasoned coach known for his strategic acumen, this season is a humbling reminder that even the best-laid plans can sometimes falter
For Narwal, it’s an opportunity to grow as a leader, learning to carry his team through dark times as well as bright.
In the end, it’s these moments—the struggles, the self-doubt, the disappointments—that define sportsmanship.
While their fans wait for a comeback, the Bengaluru Bulls’ season will remind everyone watching that sometimes, losing with dignity can be as powerful as any victory.
Under Sehrawat’s guidance, the team has a chance to recalibrate, harness the experience of its senior players, and strive for a comeback.
The league’s structure, with ample matches left to play, provides an opportunity for redemption.
If the team can rally and capitalize on the remaining games, they may yet fulfill their potential and make their coach, fans, and themselves proud.
Table of Contents
Randhir Singh: Bengaluru Bulls’ Season of Despair
When Even the Best Strategies Fall Apart
The Pro-Kabaddi League, a sport that’s equal parts strategy and grit, has seen its share of champions, underdogs, and comeback stories.1
Yet, in its 11th season, the Bengaluru Bulls are living a narrative no team would aspire to: a string of defeats that has left both players and fans reeling.
With four consecutive losses, head coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat’s confidence, alongside that of his team, seems to be withering.
In a sport that thrives on the unpredictability of a raid or a tackle, the Bulls’ losing streak has been both perplexing and disheartening.
A Season Start That Was Anything But Promising
From the opening match, it was clear that this season wasn’t unfolding in the Bulls’ favor. An eight-point loss to the Telugu Titans set a discouraging tone, quickly followed by a heartbreaking defeat to the Gujarat Giants, where the Bulls lost their grip in the final minutes.
The subsequent thrashings by UP Yoddhas and defending champions were more than defeats; they were demoralizing routs.
Despite the Bulls’ historic resilience, this start to the season has felt less like a temporary dip and more like a downward spiral.
Coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat: Frustration
Randhir Singh Sehrawat, often regarded as one of the top coaches in kabaddi, sat before the press after their latest defeat looking worn and weary. His usual spark and positivity had dimmed.2
When asked about the latest defeat, his response was candid and unfiltered, “Kehne ko kuch hai hi nahi. 11th season has turned out to be my worst season.”
Sehrawat has led the Bulls since the league’s inception, even guiding them to a championship win, so his dismay and bewilderment now resonate deeply with fans.
When Morale and Strategy Clash
Sehrawat’s frustrations extended beyond the scoreline. He lamented how, despite his efforts, his team couldn’t seem to find a balance between offense and defense.
He reflected on his internal struggle: “When I work on offense, the defense goes down. When I work on defense, the offense goes away.” For a coach with a history of tactical prowess, this season’s losses have been especially confounding.
The Bulls’ inconsistency has stymied even Sehrawat’s best motivational tactics, leaving him, as he put it, “out of ideas.” It’s an unusual predicament for a coach known for his strategic depth.
The Bulls’ motivation fluctuates unpredictably, pushing Sehrawat to the limits of his patience and making each defeat sting more sharply.
Pradeep Narwal: Captain Crumbling Under Pressure
If Sehrawat’s frustration has been visible in his words, then for Pradeep Narwal, the team captain, it’s been painfully evident in his body language.3
At the same press conference, Narwal sat silently by Sehrawat’s side, visibly burdened by the weight of the season’s failures.
Known for his offensive strength, Narwal’s muted presence and hunched posture told a tale of quiet despair, a stark contrast to the vocal leader his team has come to depend on.
Narwal’s struggles reflect those of his team. Though kabaddi is a team sport, his role as captain has rendered him the focal point of criticism, a pressure that has seemingly overwhelmed him.
A Series of Disheartening Defeats
To understand the severity of the Bulls’ troubles, we can look back at each game of the season so far. The Bulls’ opener was against the Telugu Titans, where they fell by eight points.
Despite their initial high spirits, they faltered in the game’s critical moments. The following game against the Gujarat Giants was even more painful; the Bulls led comfortably but allowed a final-minutes comeback that led to another defeat.
The third and fourth games only worsened the situation. A 21-point loss to UP Yoddhas showcased cracks in their defense and communication.
Their latest match against the defending champions saw a similar collapse, this time losing by a wide 14-point margin.
The pattern of heavy losses has rendered Sehrawat’s strategies ineffective, leaving little room for in-game adjustments and draining any momentum the Bulls might have built.
The Coach’s Perspective: Left Powerless by Large Margins
One of the season’s most telling moments came when Sehrawat expressed his frustrations regarding the nature of these losses.
“They are not even giving the coach a chance!” he exclaimed. His comment underscored a critical point: these losses have been so one-sided that they’ve limited his ability to intervene or strategize mid-game. Kabaddi matches are known for their nail-biting finishes, where a coach’s final decisions can sway the result.
But with large margins against them, Sehrawat finds himself powerless, unable to apply the tactical nuances that typically define his coaching style.
Randhir Singh Sehrawat: Identity Crisis
From “Chanakya” to “Zero”
In the kabaddi community, Sehrawat has been affectionately nicknamed “Chanakya,” a nod to the ancient Indian strategist whose cunning and intelligence have inspired leaders for centuries.
However, the team’s dismal performance has taken its toll on Sehrawat’s confidence. “People used to call me Chanakya, these guys have rendered me as zero,” he said, highlighting a profound sense of loss not just in the matches but in his identity as a coach.
The transformation from respected strategist to a disillusioned mentor reflects the season’s impact on Sehrawat’s legacy.
His outburst revealed the depths of his frustration, an uncharacteristic response from a coach who usually exemplifies calm and composure.
A Long Road Ahead: Can the Bulls Salvage Their Season?
For fans and analysts, the question now is whether the Bengaluru Bulls can bounce back. The Pro-Kabaddi League has witnessed remarkable comebacks, and the Bulls have the talent to do it.
Yet, the psychological toll of such a losing streak is challenging to overcome. Sehrawat’s leadership and Narwal’s potential as a game-changer could yet turn the season around, but it will require a collective shift in the team’s morale, discipline, and focus.
The team’s ability to make a comeback will depend on whether Sehrawat and Narwal can reignite their teammates’ spirits and work together to close the widening gaps in their offense and defense.
Given Sehrawat’s experience and the trust the players have in his guidance, a turnaround is possible, but it’s clear that every upcoming game is a must-win.
Reflecting on the Value of Sportsmanship and Resilience
The Bengaluru Bulls’ plight serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports.
Winning and losing are inherent parts of any game, but the current season has challenged the Bulls to face deeper questions of resilience, unity, and mental fortitude. Sehrawat’s and Narwal’s struggles highlight the human aspect of competition, where victories can uplift spirits, and losses can cast shadows.
While fans and critics await the Bulls’ next moves, there’s a certain respect that comes with battling through a losing streak as daunting as this one.
If they manage to rise from this slump, it will stand as a testament to the power of perseverance and the undying spirit of sport. Whether they continue to lose or find a way to win, the Bulls’ journey this season will undoubtedly be remembered.
Also Read: Charley Hull Bests Nelly Korda: Korda’s Playful Response Shows Sportsmanship
Randhir Singh Sehrawat: Decade-Long Journey with Kabaddi
Randhir Singh Sehrawat has carved a reputation in Indian Kabaddi with over 11 years of experience as a coach.
Leading the Bengaluru Bulls, one of the most popular franchises in the Pro Kabaddi League, he has experienced both euphoric victories and disheartening losses.
His leadership was pivotal during Season 3, where a young squad with an average age of 19 years showcased spirit, if not consistent success. Now, faced with a different set of challenges and a much more seasoned team, Sehrawat is vocal about the frustrations that come with their performance.
“These Are All Senior Players. What More Do I Tell Them?”
Sehrawat’s comments reveal both his frustration and his high expectations. Addressing the team’s recent performances, he exclaims, “These are all senior players.
What more do I tell them?” This statement is not just an expression of disappointment but also a candid question about accountability.
With seasoned players on the squad, Sehrawat expects them to bring not only skill but leadership, discipline, and resilience. According to Sehrawat, the team has failed to live up to these expectations, resulting in heavy, one-sided defeats.
One-Sided Losses: An Alarming Trend
In recent matches, the Bengaluru Bulls’ defeats have not only been consistent but substantial. They have lost by as many as 21 points in some matches and by 12-14 points in others, suggesting a troubling trend of lopsided outcomes.
Sehrawat’s concern extends beyond the scoreline; he worries that such performances could become habitual.
This pattern of wide-margin losses reflects a gap between potential and performance, something Sehrawat believes seasoned players should take personally and work to correct.
Morale Boosting Versus Practical Results
A significant part of Sehrawat’s coaching philosophy involves boosting team morale. However, he acknowledges that morale alone cannot turn games around.
“Alone morale doesn’t do the job. Morale looks good on paper,” he asserts, underlining that mental support and encouragement can only go so far without a solid performance on the mat.
His honest assessment of his players as “uneducated folks” may come off as harsh but reveals Sehrawat’s belief that this team needs more than pep talks—they need tangible results.
The Role of Responsibility and Ownership in Team Success
- As a coach, Sehrawat understands his role in motivating and guiding players, but he also emphasizes personal responsibility.
- He believes that senior players like Narwal and Pawar should not need constant reminders to maintain high standards.
- They are expected to set examples on their own, and he encourages his team to introspect.
- “They are such senior players, they should think themselves,” he states, urging his players to take charge of their own performance.
- The Pro Kabaddi League has significantly contributed to the growth of Kabaddi as a sport in India, and franchises like Bengaluru Bulls play a crucial role in this development.
- For Sehrawat, it’s not just about individual victories or personal success; it’s about the image of the game itself. “Kabaddi is at a loss. Bengaluru Bulls are at a loss.
- The viewers are at a loss. The league is at a loss,” he laments, pointing out that such subpar performances harm the sport’s reputation.
- Sehrawat believes that as ambassadors of Kabaddi, players have a responsibility to perform to the best of their abilities, not only for themselves but for the fans, the franchise, and the league.
Randhir Singh Sehrawat: Vision for a Competitive Bengaluru Bulls Team
Looking beyond the current season, Sehrawat envisions a competitive Bengaluru Bulls team capable of challenging for titles consistently.
To achieve this, he is keen on building a culture of accountability and perseverance. He believes that his players need to see themselves as champions before they can become one.
This mindset, combined with skill and teamwork, could be the key to success not only for this season but for the team’s future.
View this post on Instagram
The Challenges of Coaching in the Pro Kabaddi League
Coaching in the Pro Kabaddi League comes with unique challenges. With each team comprising players of varying backgrounds, skills, and personalities, coaches like Sehrawat must balance motivation with discipline.
His experience in managing young teams and senior players alike has provided him with insights into effective coaching, but it also tests his patience.
The current struggle only deepens Sehrawat’s resolve to refine his approach and develop a strategy that yields consistent results.
Coaches like Sehrawat play a crucial role in the growth and professionalization of Kabaddi in India. They bring structure, discipline, and a vision that elevates the sport’s standards.
Sehrawat’s career, filled with ups and downs, exemplifies the dedication required to lead in a competitive league.
For him, every season represents a chance to create a legacy, both for his team and for Indian Kabaddi.
Also Read: Trailblazing Women in Sports: India’s First Female Olympic Medal Winner
