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Punjab Kings (PBKS) were among the teams to enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction in Bangalore with hopes to reconstruct their squad and rebuild the franchise for the new three-year cycle.
PBKS, one of the earlier IPL franchises never to have won the title, had another dismal campaign last year where they finished sixth after losing 8 and winning only 6 matches.
PBKS also found themselves in the midst of controversy as their former skipper KL Rahul signalled he wasn’t pleased with the way they approached their on-field play and that he wasn’t always satisfied playing the role he was asked to play as a batter.
Rahul parted ways with the franchise in the retention/release process, where PBKS let go of all but two of their players that were part of the squad for IPL 2021. Only experienced Indian batter Mayank Agarwal and promising Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh were part of PBKS ‘ retention list ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction.
At the auction, PBKS, usually one of the teams that attract laughs because of their unpredictability, have had some really impressive inclusions to their line-up. So much so that their first-choice XI seems to be posing a strong outlook.
Full Punjab Kings Squad for IPL 2022:
Mayank Agarwal, Arshdeep Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Ishan Porel, Sandeep Sharma, Vaibhav Arora, Nathan Ellis, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Liam Livingstone, Odean Smith , Raj Angad Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Prerak Mankad, Writtick Chatterjee, Baltej Dhanda, Ansh Patel, Atharva Taide, Benny Howell
Strongest Punjab Kings (PBKS) Playing XI for IPL 2022:
Mayank Agarwal (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Ishan Porel
PBKS have bolstered their batting with the inclusion of Dhawan (INR 8.25 crores), Bairstow (6.75) and Livingstone (11.5 crores). While Dhawan’s presence helps PBKS form a trusted a pair at the top with Mayank, they now have two strong overseas picks in Bairstow and Livingstone to control and guide their slightly inexperienced middle and lower-order.
Wicketkeeper Bairstow also offers his team a strong option to play the floater, where in he can be asked to bat up the order depending on their need. He will be a major threat for teams who historically took to spin to put derail PBKS’ progress through the middle overs.
PBKS have recharged their bowling attack with the pace and hostility of Kagiso Rabada (9.25 crores) and young promising wristspinner Rahul Chahar (5.25 crores), around whom the likes of Harpreet Brar, Ishan Porel and one of their new recruits Odean Smith may also relish their time.
Punjab Kings Captain for IPL 2022
At this stage, Mayank Agarwal is emerging as the strongest captaincy candidate for PBKS, who entrusted their experienced batter with a vote of retention for INR 12 crores. He looks a prime option to be sitting at the helm of affairs following the departure of Rahul from the set-up.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Coaching and Support Staff for IPL 2022
PBKS’ support staff will have two absentees from the last year’s edition of the IPL. Following the ouster of assistant coach Andy Flower and batting coach Wasim Jaffer, PBKS’ backroom staff is left with the director of cricket and head coach Anil Kumble and fielding coach Jonty Rhodes for now. The franchise is likely to fill the spots vacant following Flower and Jaffer’s departure in the coming weeks.
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