Punjab Kings have decided to make a new start in IPL 2023. They previously parted ways with Anil Kumble and now their skipper has changed. Mayank Agarwal has been released by the team and Shikhar Dhawan is the new captain of PBKS.
In IPL 2022, Mayank Agarwal was chosen to lead the Punjab Kings. But throughout the competition, he was unable to put on a strong batting performance. The right-handed batter managed just 196 runs at an average of 16.33 in 12 innings, scoring just one half-century.
1. Sunrisers Hyderabad
In the IPL 2022, the Hyderabad franchise placed sixth in terms of points. After then, the management drastically changed the team ahead of the IPL 2023 auction. Prior to the mini-auction, SRH released 12 players, including the team’s captain Kane Williamson and keeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran, and are entering it with the largest bid. Mayank Agarwal is the ideal choice because SRH lacks an experienced Indian opener who can set the tone at the top of the order.
2. Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans are one of the teams who would be interested in signing Mayank Agarwal. As Shubman Gill’s opening partner for the IPL 2022 champions, Wriddhiman Saha performed admirably but Mayank can be a better option. Mayank and Gill will make an excellent opening pair. While Mayank has the potential to start off well, Gill might take his time and make a difference in the game throughout the middle overs.
3. Chennai Super Kings
Following the release of N Jagadeesan and the retirement of Robin Uthappa, CSK will also be looking for a top-order Indian batsman. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, the team’s veteran openers, might make Agarwal the ideal pick for CSK, and the inclusion of the former skipper of the Punjab Kings will boost the top-order. MS Dhoni has a history of supporting seasoned players, therefore he might try to sign Agarwal for the 2018 IPL season.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders
Another team that may want to target Mayank Agarwal in the IPL 2022 is Kolkata Knight Riders. In the last season, KKR had a tough time the entire tournament choosing a solid pair of openers. Ajinkya Rahane and Aaron Finch started the innings in a few matches, but because of their poor performances, they were quickly dropped. Mayank Agarwal can thereby strengthen Kolkata Knight Riders’ opener position if he joins the team.
