PBKS wanted to retain KL Rahul, but respect his decision to enter the auction: Anil Kumble

Punjab Kings’ head coach Anil Kumble said that PBKS had plans of retaining KL Rahul ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, but respected his decision of finding himself a new team. Speculations were rife that Rahul didn’t want the Punjab-based team to retain him and the same was confirmed after the retentions were named on Tuesday, November 30.

Rahul joined PBKS in 2018 after leaving Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore. After two prolific seasons with the bat, Rahul was named as their skipper in 2020, replacing Ravi Ashwin, who moved to the Delhi Capitals.

However, he failed to change the fortunes of his team as PBKS couldn’t make the playoffs in both seasons. Kumble said that PBKS had big plans surrounding Rahul and hence, named him the skipper of the franchise.

“Of course, the major challenge for us was Rahul. Obviously, we wanted to retain him. That’s one of the reasons we chose him as captain 2 years ago, so he could be the core of the team. But he decided to go into the auction, we respect that decision. It’s the players’ prerogative,” Kumble was quoted as saying in India Today.

Mayank Agarwal is a potential leader, says Anil Kumble

Kumble also had words of praises for Mayank Agarwal, who was retained for INR 14 crores on Tuesday. Jumbo, as Kumble is popularly known, said that Agarwal has the potential to lead the team in the future.

“I think when it comes to Mayank, the last 3 to 4 years, he has been with us, he has done exceptionally well for us. In the two years, I have been involved with the franchise, he has been very, very successful. He is again a potential leader. He has been around the IPL and international cricket for a long time,” he stated.

PBKS also went on to retain young fast bowler Arshdeep Singh for INR 4 crores. Kumble said that he’s highly impressed with the youngster’s performance over the last couple of seasons.

“Regarding Arshdeep Singh, he has someone who has come up in the last two years I have been involved in Punjab. He is only 21, to show that kind of maturity and temperament, we wanted to ensure he stayed with the franchise,” Kumble added.