The Bengaluru Bulls have officially named Yogesh Dahiya as their new captain for the rest of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) matches. The announcement was made just before their much-needed victory over the Patna Pirates in Match 17 at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on September 7, 2025.
While this leadership change brought new energy to the team, it also raised one burning question among fans – what happened to former captain Ankush Rathi?
A Shift in Leadership: From Ankush to Yogesh
The Bengaluru Bulls started their PKL 12 campaign under the leadership of Ankush Rathi, who captained the team in the first two matches. Unfortunately, both outings ended in defeats — first a close tie-breaker loss to Puneri Paltan (32-32 in regulation, 4-6 in tie-breaker), followed by a 41-34 loss to Dabang Delhi.
Things took a surprising turn in the third match against U Mumba on September 5, where vice-captain Akash Shinde was given the captain’s armband. That match resulted in a crushing 48-28 defeat, pushing the Bulls into a corner early in the season.
Come Match 17 against Patna Pirates, a new name was at the helm — Yogesh Dahiya, the team’s high-profile defensive signing. The Bulls not only looked sharper but also managed to grab their first win of the season under his captaincy.
The Social Media Reveal
The Bulls made it official via Instagram with a post that read:
“Led by Yogesh Dahiya, the Bulls step in #FullyCharged under the command of our defender supreme.”
After the victory, another post followed:
“Yogesh Dahiya led the Bulls in his first stint as captain, opened the game with a tackle in the very first raid, and showcased phenomenal grit throughout.”
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Yogesh Dahiya – From Star Signing to Team Leader
Yogesh Dahiya has been in the spotlight ever since the PKL 12 auction, where he became the most expensive Indian defender — snapped up by Bengaluru Bulls for a staggering ₹1.125 crore.
Nicknamed the “Silent Killer” for his calm demeanor and deadly skills on the mat, Dahiya’s ambition is clear: to lead Bengaluru Bulls to the PKL 12 title and prove why he was worth the record price tag.
His leadership debut against Patna was impressive. He set the tone early with a strong tackle in the very first raid and maintained control throughout the match.
What Happened to Ankush Rathi?
While Yogesh’s rise has sparked excitement, Ankush Rathi’s sudden disappearance from the squad has led to speculation and concern.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Ankush captained the first two matches but was missing from the lineup in the next two.
- He has reportedly unfollowed the Bengaluru Bulls on Instagram.
- All posts related to the team have been removed from his social media profiles.
This digital distancing hints at a possible fallout between the player and the franchise management. While there’s no official word on a conflict, fans have been quick to notice the signs.
Coach BC Ramesh Breaks Silence
Following the win against Patna Pirates, head coach BC Ramesh was asked about Ankush’s absence during the post-match press conference. His response was brief but telling:
“I don’t want to say anything about it or take any names. We will see about that later. Right now, the team is playing well. We will take care of it, and our focus is now on the next match.”
The coach neither denied nor clarified Ankush’s status, suggesting that something is indeed brewing behind the scenes.
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Ankush Rathi’s PKL 12 Performance So Far
Before going off the radar, Ankush Rathi played two matches:
- Vs Puneri Paltan: 5 tackle points in a solid defensive outing.
- Vs Dabang Delhi: No points in 26 minutes on the mat.
The Bulls had signed Ankush for his base price of ₹30 lakhs and handed him the captaincy at the start of the season. However, his underwhelming performance and the team’s poor start may have played a part in his apparent exit.
What’s Next for Bengaluru Bulls?
With Yogesh Dahiya now leading the charge, Bengaluru Bulls seem to have regained momentum. The defense looked far more organized, and the team played with renewed energy under his guidance.
However, questions about Ankush Rathi’s future still loom large. Whether it was a temporary absence, internal conflict, or something else — only time (or an official statement) will tell.
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Final Thoughts
The Pro Kabaddi League has always been full of surprises — both on and off the mat. The Bengaluru Bulls’ captaincy shake-up is the latest twist, and it’s one that has already impacted their performance for the better.
While Yogesh Dahiya has stepped up to the challenge with confidence and composure, the silence around Ankush Rathi’s exit has only fueled curiosity. All eyes will now be on the Bulls’ upcoming matches — both for their performance and for any hints about Rathi’s possible return… or a permanent goodbye.
