IPL 2022: Mayank Agarwal set to be named Punjab Kings captain

India batter Mayank Agarwal is all set to lead Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, according to a report on PTI.

With KL Rahul going to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the auction, PBKS were on the lookout for a new captain. Agarwal and Arshdeep Singh were the two players retained by the franchise.

However, a formal announcement is expected to be made soon. "In all likelihood, Mayank will captain the side. The announcement is expected later this week," an IPL source told PTI.

Punjab, who went into the auction with the maximum purse, made good use of the money by getting the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Kagiso Rabada and buying back left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar and explosive Tamil Nadu batter Shahrukh Khan.

Dhawan's name as captain was also doing the rounds but the management was keen on Agarwal as the leader even before the auction. "Dhawan is a welcome addition to the side and was always on the radar at the auction. He is a champion player but it seems Punjab were keen on Mayank as captain ever since K L Rahul left the team," the source added.

Agarwal and Rahul formed one of the most prolific opening pairs in the IPL over the past couple of years. Rahul will lead Lucknow Super Giants this season.

Agarwal had captained the team briefly last year when Rahul was injured. Agarwal aggregated 400-plus runs in the past two seasons. He had made his IPL debut in 2011 and has so far played 100 games.

The 31-year-old has also played 19 Tests and five ODIs for India.

With a strong squad at their disposal, Punjab Kings are aiming to end their title drought in the IPL. Their only final appearance came way back in 2014. They finished sixth out of eight teams in last three editions. 

(With inputs from PTI)