The Punjab Kings named Mayank Agarwal as their captain for the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. They also roped in the Delhi batsman Shikhar Dhawan, who would most likely open the innings. Dhawan, in a recent interview, was all praises for Mayank Agarwal and said that he is a 'mature guy' and a 'great captain'.
Shikhar Dhawan also said that Punjab is like his second home and that he has the 'blood' of a 'proper Punjabi person'. The opening batter sounded excited to play for PBKS. While praising Agarwal, Dhawan said, "Mayank is a great player and I am sure he will be great as a captain. I will provide support to him, he is a mature player, he is a senior guy. I enjoy his company, we will get along well," to NDTV.
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Agarwal got resounding applause from his teammates as he joined the PBKS squad in Mumbai on Wednesday for the first time this year. He was with team India in Sri Lanka for the Test series.
"That's the loudest I've got clapped for," said Mayank before Jonty Rhodes interrupted to add, "In four years."
Punjab Kings did good business at the Auction this year. In Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone, Punjab has two of the most dangerous hitters of the ball against any type of bowling in the top and middle order. Shah Rukh Khan who was touted as a one to watch out for went for big money to the Kings.
West Indies bowling allrounder Odean Smith is also an excellent buy for the team. Kagiso Rabada is also in the side which makes the bowling look dangerous.
Punjab Kings will begin their IPL campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 27, 2022.