Ahead of the upcoming 15th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), Mayank Agarwal has been appointed as the new captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Mayank, who was also the vice captain pf PBKS, will now take over the role from KL Rahul, who recently moved to nelwy inducted franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the upcoming season.
Mayank, the 31-year-old top-order batsman, even led PBKS for a short period during Rahul’s absence in the previous season and was one of two players retained by the franchise ahead of the 2022 auction.
Speaking on Mayank’s his appointment as the captain, head coach Anil Kumble said: “Mayank has been an integral part of the side since 2018 and of the leadership group for the last two years. The new squad we selected at the recently concluded auction has exciting young talent and outstanding experienced players.”
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, cmmenting on the development, an elated Mayank said: “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.”
“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.
Notably, the upcoming edition of the tournament will begin on March 26 and the final will be held on May 29. The next season will be played in a bio-secure environment at a single hub to avoid air travel, considered as a major threat for the spread of COVID-19 infection, thereby affecting the players and tournament.
This time, the tournament will be held entirely in the state of Maharashtra with 55 matches in Mumbai and 15 matches in Pune.
In the upcoming season, the 10 teams have been divided into two groups. While Group A comprises of Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, Group B includes Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans.
Significantly, the IPL 2022, will be a ten-team affair following the addition of the two new teams – Ahmedabad and Lucknow and will have a total of 74 games.