He was one of the two players retained by Punjab Kings ahead of the mega auction earlier this month
He was one of the two players retained by Punjab Kings ahead of the mega auction earlier this month
Opener Mayank Agarwal was named the captain of Punjab Kings for the upcoming Indian Premier League on 28 February.
The 31-year-old from Bengaluru, a member of the Indian Test team, was one of the two players retained by Punjab Kings along with young pacer Arshdeep Singh ahead of the mega auction earlier this month.
“I have been at Punjab Kings since 2018 and I am extremely proud to represent this wonderful unit. I have been given the opportunity to lead the team,” Agarwal said in a press release issued by the franchise.
“I take this responsibility with utmost sincerity, but at the same time, I am confident that with the talent we have in the Punjab Kings team this season, my job will become easier.” Agarwal has been an integral part of Punjab Kings since 2018, having served as the vice-captain of the team and also led the team in the last season.
“We have some very experienced players, as well as many talented youngsters who are eager to grab the opportunity and run with it.
“We have always entered the field hoping to win titles and as a team we will once again work towards this goal of lifting our maiden IPL trophy. I would like to thank the team management for this new role of leading the team. I give thanks
“I look forward to the new season and the new challenges that come with it.” Agarwal, who made his IPL debut in 2011, has scored over 400 runs in the last two seasons. He has also played 19 Tests in which he has scored 1429 runs, including four centuries and five ODIs for India.
Punjab Kings head coach Anil Kumble said, “Mayank has been an integral part of the team since 2018 and the leadership group for the last two years. The new team we have picked in the recently concluded auction has exciting young talent and outstanding experience. Huh.
“We want to build a strong foundation for the future under Mayank’s leadership. He is hardworking, enthusiastic, a team player who has all the qualities required for a leader.
“I look forward to working with him as captain and am confident that he will lead this team to a successful campaign.” Punjab Kings have been perennial underachievers in the league, reaching the IPL finals only once in 2014. They finished sixth out of eight teams in the last three editions.
The franchise recently entered the IPL mega auction with maximum purses and picked some quality players and is looking forward to claim their maiden title in the cash-rich tournament this time around.
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