Mayank Agarwal named new Punjab Kings captain

Mayank Agarwal will lead Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, starting on March 26, the franchise announced on Monday (February 28). The right-handed batter has been with the franchise since 2018 and will take over the role from KL Rahul, who moved to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction.

"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," said PBKS head coach Anil Kumble. 

"We want to create a strong foundation for the future with Mayank at the helm. He is hardworking, enthusiastic, a team player with all the attributes required of a leader. I look forward to working with him as captain and believe that he will lead this team to a successful campaign."

🚨 Attention #SherSquad 🚨

Our 🆕© ➜ Mayank Agarwal

Send in your wishes for the new #CaptainPunjab 🎉#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #TATAIPL2022 @mayankcricket pic.twitter.com/hkxwzRyOVA

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 28, 2022

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. On top of that, they had already retained Agarwal and Arshdeep Singh. Dhawan's name as captain was also doing the rounds but the management has decided to go with Agarwal.

Agarwal had captained the team briefly last year when Rahul was injured. Agarwal, who made his IPL debut in 2011, has played 47 games for Punjab. The right-hander has slammed 1317 runs for the franchise at an average of 29.27 and a strike rate of 144.3. Agarwal has been super impressive in the last two editions, scoring 865 runs in 23 innings at an average of close to 40 and a strike rate of 147.9.

"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," said Agarwal. 

"We have some vastly experienced players in our ranks, along with many talented youngsters who are keen to grab the opportunity and run with it. We have always taken to the field hoping to win the title and as a team we will once again work towards this goal of lifting our maiden IPL trophy. I thank the team management for entrusting me with this new role of leading the side. I look forward to the new season and the new challenges it brings with it."

With a strong squad at their disposal, Punjab are aiming to end their title drought in the IPL. Their only final appearance came way back in 2014.