IPL 2022: Punjab Kings Set to Announce Shikhar Dhawan as Their Captain
IPL 2022: For the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season, Team India opener Shikhar Dhawan is likely to be the new captain of the Punjab Kings (PBKS). The team was looking for a new captain. They had to release skipper KL Rahul at the end of last season, and it appears that they have found a new captain now. PBKS, who finished sixth in the IPL 2021 points table, is looking to replace Rahul as captain with an Indian player.
Mayank Agarwal, who was retained for Rs 12 crore, was previously thought to be the next skipper. Punjab Kings appeared to be on the lookout for someone else. Fans had a good notion of who he may be from the start of the auction. PBKS went all out to get Dhawan for Rs 8.25 crore during the IPL 2022 mega auction. They had beaten the likes of the Delhi Capitals.
“Team is very happy to have Shikhar Dhawan in squad. Dhawan has a mature head on his shoulders and will be ideal to lead Punjab in IPL. Coach, promoters all are in favor of Dhawan as captain of Punjab Kings. Official announcement will be out in next few days”.
said a source close to PBKS team management
Anil Kumble, Punjab’s head coach, was overjoyed at the deal, claiming that it felt like Shikhar Dhawan was returning home.
“Oh, he is a great edition to the squad. His maturity will rub on other squad members. Everyone around can learn from him. He will be perfect leader for the team in every respect”.
said Anil Kumble
“We have got our captain. We are very happy with the squad we have picked, We will make the captaincy announcement soon.” PBKS co-owner Ness Wadia had also said
PBKS co-owner Ness Wadia had also said
IPL 2022: Sunil Gavaskar Picks Mayank Agarwal for PBKS’s Captaincy
Punjab entered the auction with the biggest purse, and the franchise was able to secure some top Indian and international players, resulting in a formidable lineup in the end.
During the two-day auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) made 23 buys and spent the highest money on all-rounder Liam Livingstone. The England all-rounder cost Rs 11.50 crore to sign for the franchise.
While many feel Dhawan is the most likely captaincy candidate for the Punjab Kings, Sunil Gavaskar, a former India captain, and batting star has advised the team to consider the future while selecting their next captain.
Gavaskar stated that Mayank Agarwal should be given leadership, since he is 31 years old and has many years of top-level cricket remaining in him, unlike Dhawan, who is 36 and may not be a long-term captaincy choice. Prior to the mega auction, Mayank was one of the two players retained by the team.