Punjab set to sack Mayank Agarwal as captain, Jonny Bairstow likely to lead: Reports

The Punjab-based franchise has never won the Indian T20 League despite being one of the core members of the inaugural tournament. In the 15 years of the Indian T20 League, they have only reached the final once, and that too they ended up on the losing side.

The management even changed their name in the hope of a change in fortunes, but it did not happen. In the latest report coming from the Punjab camp, the management is set to appoint a new captain for the team in place of Mayank Agarwal. The English batter Jonny Bairstow leads the way among potential replacements as captain.

Reports also say that the Punjab team is also set to part ways with their head coach and former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble. Sub-par performance in the last season is understood to be the reason behind a change in captaincy and coaching.

A source close to the Punjab team confirmed the news about these changes. “No Mayank is not in plans to lead. He will need to focus on batting. He will be a crucial player for us. As for Anil, we are discussing a few options but nothing has materialized yet. We have time left. We will take a call at the right time” said the source, as quoted by InsideSport.

Agarwal had his worst season in 2022 as he could only make 196 runs at a poor average of 16.33 and a strike rate of 122.5. Agarwal who was made the captain out of sheer luck and due to unavailability of options has been playing poorly for the Punjab team. Shikhar Dhawan was the first-choice captain for the team but the decision fell through.

The management is also looking for other options if Bairstow’s move fails to be finalised. “It is learnt that their representatives have approached the likes of Eoin Morgan, Trevor Bayliss and one former India coach. Eventually one of them or none of them may get the posting”, the source reported.