Punjab Kings on February 28 announced Indian batter Mayank Agarwal as their new skipper ahead of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League, starting March 26. The aggressive right-hander has been appointed replacement for KL Rahul, who parted ways with PBKS.
Rahul’s departure from the PBKS set-up at the end of IPL 2021 was followed by the franchise’s decision to retain Agarwal for a sum of INR 12 crores. From that moment on, Agarwal was considered Rahul’s likely direct successor at the helm of affairs and now PBKS have a put an official stamp on it.
“I have been at Punjab Kings since 2018 and I take a lot of pride in representing this fantastic unit. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the team. I take over this responsibility with utmost sincerity, but at the same time, I believe my job would be made easier with the talent we have at the Punjab Kings squad this season.”
Agarwal said in a statement issued by PBKS.
A wholehearted cricketer, who hasn’t shied away from playing the difficult role for PBKS, Mayank Agarwal joined the franchise back in 2018. His first season with the team didn’t bear the desired results on the personal front. But the attacking batter found his mojo in IPL 2019 and has only continued his rich vein of form since.
Playing both opener and middle-order roles for PBKS in an aggressor’s mould, Agarwal has compiled 1,197 runs in his 36 innings over the last three editions of the IPL, averaging a healthy 34.20 with a strike-rate of 146.15. The record looks even more impressive with the backdrop that Punjab has remained a losing team in the IPL in this period.
Being a consistent performer for PBKS, Agarwal was always expected to be in the mix for captaincy following Rahul’s departure. Head coach Anil Kumble only confirmed this, with a revelation that the 31-year-old had been closely involved in the leadership group over the last two IPLs.
“Mayank has been an integral part of the side since 2018 and of the leadership group for the last two years. The new squad we selected at the recently concluded auction has exciting young talent and outstanding experienced players. We want to create a strong foundation for the future with Mayank at the helm.”
Kumble said.
