Mayank Agarwal appointed Punjab Kings captain

The 31-year-old batter replaces KL Rahul, who left the Kings at the end of the 2021 IPL to join Lucknow Super Giants

Punjab Kings have appointed Mayank Agarwal as their captain for the 2022 Indian Premier League.

The 31-year-old batter replaces KL Rahul, who left the Kings at the end of last season to join new franchise Lucknow Super Giants.

Agarwal, who has previously represented Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiant, has scored 2,131 runs in 100 career IPL matches.

Since joining Punjab Kings in 2018, he has scored 1,317 runs at 29.26 in 47 matches, including one century and eight half-centuries, and has passed 400 runs in each of his past two seasons.

Agarwal has captained the Kings on one occasion prior to taking over the role on a full-time basis, standing in for Rahul against Delhi Capitals last season.

^{Agarwal replaces KL Rahul [Francois Nel/Getty Images]}

Commenting on being appointed captain, Agarwal 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.

"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."

Head coach, Anil Kumble, added: "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."

Agarwal will have his work cut out as captain, with Punjab Kings possessing arguably the poorest record in IPL history. They have reached the final on just one occasion, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, and have failed to reach the playoffs since then.