Raider Rohit Kumar was named captain of the Bengaluru Bulls Pro Kabaddi franchise, while defender Ravinder Pahal will be vice-captain for the fifth season of the league beginning July 28, reported PTI.

Kumar will replace Surender Nada, who was bought by new franchise Haryana Steelers in the 2017 player auction, as skipper of the team. Kumar was in stellar form last season despite the team’s sixth-place finish. He was the team’s top scorer in 12 of the 14 matches. In his debut season, in January 2016, he won the Most Valuable Player Award.

“I am humbled by the decision taken by the management and would like to thank them for believing in my abilities,” Kumar said in a statement. “We come with a fresh mindset and a young self-motivated team with a well devised strategy in place for this season.”

Bengaluru Bulls are placed in Zone B of the reformatted league, along with Tamil Thalaivahs, Patna Pirates, Bengal Warriors, UP Yoddha, and Telugu Titans. The top six teams across two zones will qualify for the Super Playoffs. The fifth season of Pro Kabaddi will be the longest ever, spanning 13 weeks.