With a thumping win of 54 runs over Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings have made their position firm in the race to the playoffs. Jonny Bairstow was the star for Punjab as he scored 66 runs in 29 deliveries for the team. Meanwhile, there was also praise for Mayank Agarwal after the game. In this article, we take a look at what Sanjay Manjrekar had to say about Mayank Agarwal’s sacrifice for the team in IPL 2022.
Mayank Agarwal’s sacrifice for the team in IPL 2022
Even before the season started, fans of Punjab Kings were worried as to how the batting line-up would arrange itself on the batting order. Jonny Bairstow is a top opener and with Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan already in the squad, the Englishman was not expected to operate at his comfortable spot.
As the season progressed, this became a big problem for Punjab. While Mayank was not looking great with the bat, Bairstow was also struggling. Then, the skipper made a decision to allow Bairstow to play as an opener. Thus, he became a middle-order batter, a role that he has not played in recent years.
The move to send Bairstow has worked big time for the franchise. Bairstow has scored consecutive half-centuries and is looking in great touch now. Mayank might not have set the scene on fire but his presence in the middle-order might improve the strength of the batting attack.
Sanjay Manjrekar was all praises for Mayank’s selfless act. Here is what the former cricketer had to say about the Punjab skipper’s decision:
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!
Advertisement— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) May 14, 2022
PBKS could be a serious contender if they reach the playoffs
With Bairstow coming to form, Punjab Kings could be serious contenders if they reach the Top 4. In the past, we have seen how momentum at the end has helped teams go on and lift the trophy. Hence, it is not a surprise if that happens in PBKS’ case if they manage to win the upcoming games and enter the playoffs.
