IPL 2022: Mayank Agarwal named captain of Punjab Kings

Mayank Agarwal was on Monday named the captain of Punjab Kings for the upcoming Indian Premier League. A member of the Indian Test team, the 31-year-old from Bengaluru was one of the two players retained by Punjab Kings alongside young pacer Arshdeep Singh ahead of the mega auction earlier this month.

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The 2022 Indian Premier League will see a tweak in format as 10 teams will be divided into groups of five but the number of matches per side will remain 14. As per groupings released by BCCI, group A comprises Mumbai Indians, KKR, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Supergiants. The group B

"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," Agarwal said in a press release issued by the franchise. "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."

Agarwal has been an integral part of Punjab Kings since 2018, has served as the squad's vice-captain and has also briefly led the team last 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."

Agarwal, who made his IPL debut