IPL 2022: Mayank Agarwal appointed as Punjab Kings captain

Mayank Agarwal has been named as the captain of Punjab Kings ahead of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League, which is set to kickstart on March 26. The franchise made the official announcement through their social media handles on February 28.

Agarwal, who has been a part of the leadership group earlier while serving as the deputy to KL Rahul, was the frontrunner for the role after Rahul was not retained by the franchise before the mega auction, leaving the captain’s spot vacant.

Meanwhile, Agarwal was one of the two retained players alongside young pacer Arshdeep Singh before the 2022 mega auction, where the Kings entered with the heaviest purse and shopped well, acquiring the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Kagiso Rabada, Odean Amith, Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Chahar amongst others.

Agarwal, who has been a part of the league since 2011 and has represented Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Rising Pune Supergiants, has been with the Punjab-based franchise since 2018. In his 100-match IPL career, he has amassed 2135 runs at 23.46, striking over 135.

I take over this responsibility with utmost sincerity: Mayank Agarwal 

After being handed over the responsibility, Agarwal admitted that he was “delighted” and will take the opportunity with “utmost sincerity”.

“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,” he was quoted by Punjab Kings’ official website.

“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,” he added.