In the upcoming edition of the IPL, Shikhar Dhawan will replace Mayank Agrawal as the Punjab Kings captain. The franchise confirmed the development on Wednesday, November 2. The veteran batter was reportedly backed by the new head coach of the franchise, Trevor Bayliss, during a board meeting of the franchise.
World Cup-winning coach Bayliss will take over as head coach for the Punjab Kings from 2023, taking the reins from Anil Kumble, who has been part of the team for three seasons. Mayank Agrawal and Arshdeep Singh were the two players retained by the franchise last year.
Shikhar Dhawan was the first player that the team bought last year in the auction for INR 8.25 crore. He has been one of the most consistent batters in this tournament. Delhi Capitals released Dhawan in 2021.
Since the last seven IPL editions, he has consistently scored above 450 runs for his team. He was the top scorer for the team in the previous edition, scoring 460 runs at an average of 38.33. In the 2020 edition, he became the first batter to score two consecutive centuries.
Gabbar will be at the 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗿 for Punjab Kings! 🗻#SherSquad, welcome your 🆕 Skipper, Jatt ji! ♥️🤩#ShikharDhawan #CaptainGabbar #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings @SDhawan25 pic.twitter.com/BjEZZVVGrw
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 2, 2022
He is the second-highest run-getter in the tournament, including 49 scores over 50. He is the only batter in the tournament’s history with above 600 fours.
Punjab Kings yet to decide on Mayank Agarwal’s future
Mayank Agrawal has been part of the franchise since 2018 and has consistently performed for the team. Along with his mate, Kl Rahul, they have played numerous match-winning knocks for the franchise.
The last edition of the IPL was great with the bat and a captain. He scored only 196 runs in 13 innings and failed to qualify for the playoffs. They ended sixth on the points table. There’s no confirmation about whether the team retains Agrawal or not. The franchises have until 15th November to submit their list of retained players.
Punjab Kings will hope for a change in fortunes after again appointing a new captain and is still pursuing their maiden IPL trophy.
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