Mayank Agarwal named new Punjab Kings captain ahead of IPL 2022

Mayank Agarwal is offically the new captain of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings. The announcement was made on Monday (February 28) by the team.

Agarwal has been part of the side since 2018; this is quite noteworthy given PBKS are seen as one of the more trigger-happy franchises in the league.

And with KL Rahul departing to take over at Lucknow Super Giants, PBKS needed a new leader for IPL 2022. For many, the choice boiled down to either Agarwal or Shikhar Dhawan.

However, it is the Karnataka-based opening batsman who got the nod in the end.

? ➩?#SherSquad, the ? #CaptainPunjab means business! ?#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #TATAIPL2022 pic.twitter.com/RAlOxJaznT

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 28, 2022

“I have been at Punjab Kings since 2018 and I take a lot of pride in representing this fantastic unit,” Agarwal said on being named captain. “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the team.”

He also thanked the team management for trusting him with the role of leading the side.

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“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.

“I thank the team management for entrusting me with this new role of leading the side and I look forward to the new season and the new challenges it brings with it.”

Can Mayank Agarwal lead PBKS to IPL glory?

“Mayank has been an integral part of the side since 2018 and of the leadership group for the last two years,” head coach Anil Kumble said.

“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.”

Agarwal will become the 13th person to lead the team, which is a staggering number when you think about it. But this won’t be his first time leading the side.

In the previous IPL, he stood in for KL Rahul when he had to undergo surgery. His captaincy only lasted one game – against Delhi Capitals – but Agarwal did well enough.

He led from the front, scoring an unbeaten 99 and leading the team to a respectable first innings total. The Capitals won in the end but Agarwal’s showing was noteworthy.

Whether he can display similar form over a season remains to be seen. However, the PBKS team management clearty believe he is up to the task.