Punjab Kings have named Mayank Agarwal as their captain ahead of the 2022 IPL season that gets underway on 26 March. The Indian cricketer has been with the franchise since 2018, serving as KL Rahul's deputy.
'Mayank has been an integral part of Punjab Kings since 2018. He has served as the squad’s vice- captain and has also briefly captained the team last season,' said the Punjab Kings' press statement.
Mayank captained the franchise last season when KL Rahul was ruled out due to acute appendicitis and had to undergo surgery. He was one of only two players retained by the IPL franchise following the 2021 season. He was retained for Rs 12 crore alongside uncapped Arshdeep Singh.
“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 Mayank about his new captaincy role.
'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.
Mayank had a great season with the team in IPL 2021 too; amassing 441 runs in 12 matches at an impressive average of 40.09. He also possessed a strong strike rate of 140.28 throughout the season, creating some memorable moments for the team, and the fans.
Mayank was one of the two players retained by Punjab Kings after the 2021 IPL season with their former skipper KL Rahul elected to be released by the franchise. Rahul is now captain of the Rising Lucknow SuperGiants while Mayank now takes over the leadership role at Punjab.
'Mayank has been an integral part of the side since 2018 and of the leadership group for the last two years. 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,' said Head Coach Anil Kumble about the new appointment.
Punjab went into the IPL Mega Auction with the highest purse of Rs 72 crore. The franchise utilised the huge purse well in picking players like Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Kagiso Rabada, Odean Smith, Rahul Chahar, Rajangad Bawa, Sandeep Sharma apart from buying back previous players Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Ishan Porel and Prabhsimran Singh.
Punjab's 13th Captain
Interestingly, Punjab Kings are on the top of the list of the most number of captains in the IPL as Agarwal will be the 13th.
To start, Punjab, then known as Kings XI Punjab, began with Yuvraj Singh as their captain in 2008. He continued till the end of the 2009 season before Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayewardene fulfilled the captaincy duties from 2010. In 2012, David Hussey was their captain and in 2013 Adam Gilchrist took reigns of the perennial underachievers.
2014 turned out to be their best season as they reached the final that year under George Bailey, after a fresh auction. In 2015, Bailey continued but Virender Sehwag captained in some of the games.
In 2016, Punjab started with South African David Miller and ended the season with Murali Vijay in charge in another disappointing season.
In 2017, Glenn Maxwell was handed the captaincy duty for the full season but right after, he was sacked from the team in 2018.
The musical chair of captaincy saw R Ashwin's anointment as the new leader post his purchase at the 2018 auction.
Again, in 2021, they changed their captain and picked K.L Rahul to lead the side. Now, ahead of the 2022 season, Punjab appointed Agarwal.
So, in total, they have changed 13 captains so far. The team this year looks good on paper. However, Punjab have always been good on paper. But their records don't look good.
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