IPL 2022 | Mayank Agarwal is short on confidence this season, reckons Sanjay Manjrekar

05/17/2022

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Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has reckoned that Mayank Agarwal, the Punjab Kings skipper, is short on confidence in the ongoing IPL 2022. Manjrekar also feels that Mayank is batting no way near as he was batting last season for PBKS, who lost to Delhi Capitals recently.

After a 17-run defeat against Delhi Capitals in Match 64 of IPL 2022 on Monday, Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) hopes for qualifying in the Playoffs almost ended. The franchise, led by Mayank Agarwal, are currently placed seventh on the points table, with six wins and seven losses. Only Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Mumbai Indians (MI) are languishing below them.

PBKS skipper Mayank is having a forgettable IPL 2022. He came to bat at No. 4 against DC, and all he managed was a two-ball duck. Although he prefers batting as an opener, his lean patch, coupled with many options in the squad, has forced Jonny Bairstow to bat at the top.

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, who earlier credited Mayank for his selfless act, criticised PBKS captain after the latter had a miserable outing against DC. Mayank did not get to the line of the delivery and was cleaned up by Axar Patel, the left-handed spinner.

“It wasn't an easy position for him to come and make a match or win the game (against Delhi Capitals on Monday). But he has that kind of experience, he has the skills. In fact, even at the Test level, when you see him hitting sixes, he does that against spinners. So, there's no reason he shouldn't be getting runs,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.

“But this is a guy who is short on confidence. He's not the same batter that he was last season.”

So far, Mayank has scored 195 runs in 11 innings in IPL 2022 at an average of a mere 17.73. He has only got one half-century this season.

PBKS will play their last league match of IPL 2022 against SRH on May 22 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.