'Want to see a true leader? Look no further' - Sanjay Manjrekar praises PBKS skipper Mayank Agarwal for sacrificing opening slot

Former India batter and cricket expert Sanjay Manjrekar has praised Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Mayank Agarwal, emphasizing the fact that he is a ‘true team man’. The former Indian batter said that Mayank had sacrificed his opening position for the benefit of his franchise.

Mayank was named as PBKS skipper before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 after KL Rahul moved out from the Punjab Kings and joined the new entrants Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Agarwal has not been at his best so far, but his best can be seen when he is opening the innings. The right-handed batter had scored over 400 runs at an excellent strike rate of above 130 during IPL 2020 and 2021.

The PBKS skipper began IPL 2022 as an opener along with veteran Shikhar Dhawan. However, Mayank sacrificed his opening slot for the England hard-hitter Jonny Bairstow and demoted himself in the order. The move has worked for the team as Bairstow has stroked two back-to-back fifties, against Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

On Friday, Bairstow came all guns blazing on the RCB bowlers as he stroked an excellent 66 runs in just 29 balls. As a result, the Kings managed to post a big total of 209 runs in their 20 overs and registered a 54-run win against the Red Army as Bairstow was adjudged the Player of the Match.

‘Let’s also say well done Mayank’ – Sanjay Manjrekar on PBKS skipper

“Want to see a true team man/leader? Look no further than Mayank Agarwal, sacrificing the opening position at which he has been hugely successful to offer Bairstow the best chance to flourish. So along with ‘well played’ Jonny, let’s also say well done Mayank!” Manjrekar said in a social media post after PBKS defeated RCB to stay alive in the playoffs race.

Meanwhile, PBKS are currently placed sixth in the points table with six wins in 12 matches. They will be facing the Delhi Capitals on May 16 (Monday).