IPL 2022: Mayank Agarwal set to lead Punjab Kings
Indian opener Mayank Agarwal will lead Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Mayank replaces KL Rahul, who was released by the franchise after the 2021 season. Rahul moved to Lucknow Super Giants, while the former was retained by Punjab for Rs. 12 crore. Punjab also retained fast bowler Arshdeep Singh alongside Mayank. Here are further details.
Punjab Kings made the announcement on Twitter
Mayank has played 100 IPL games
Mayank, who has also represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, was bought by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2018 auction. He scored over 400 runs in the last two IPL seasons (2021: 441, 2020: 424). He had a healthy strike rate in both seasons (140.44 and 156.45). Overall, Mayank has scored 2,131 runs at a strike rate of 135.47 in the IPL.
Here is what Mayank said
"I'll 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," Mayank said in a statement.
IPL 2022: A look at PBKS' complete squad
A look at Punjab Kings' complete squad: Mayank Agarwal (captain), Arshdeep Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, Rahul Chahar, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Porel, Liam Livingstone, Odean Smith, Sandeep Sharma, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Prerak Mankad, Vaibhav Arora, Writtick Chatterjee, Baltej Dhanda, Ansh Patel, Nathan Ellis, Atharva Taide, Bhanuka Rajapakse, Benny Howell
PBKS: Key buys during the IPL 2022 Auction
PBKS snapped Shikhar Dhawan for Rs. 8.25 crore. They shelled out Rs. 9.25 crore for Kagiso Rabada. PBKS spent Rs. 6.75 crore for Jonny Bairstow. They bought Shahrukh Khan for Rs. 9 crore and spent Rs. 5.25 crore for Rahul Chahar. PBKS purchased Odean Smith for a hefty sum of Rs. 6 crore. They signed Liam Livingstone for a whopping Rs. 11.50 crore
Punjab last reached the playoffs in 2014
PBKS finished sixth in the IPL 2021. They accumulated 12 points with six wins and eight defeats. Punjab finished at number six in the 2020 and 2019 seasons too. They last qualified for the playoffs in 2014.
