Revealed: Who Will Lead Punjab Kings In Absence Of KL Rahul

Punjab Kings batsman KL Rahul’s possibility of being ruled out of IPL 2021 has come as a massive blow to the side. KL Rahul, who has assumed the leadership duties since last year, has also been Punjab Kings’ best batsman and holds the Orange Cap presently. In the right-handed batsman’s absence, his opening partner Mayank Agarwal will lead the side, according to PTI.

Punjab Kings’ Twitter handle revealed that KL Rahul complained of severe abdominal pain last night. Having not responded to medication, he had to be taken to an emergency room for further tests. It emerged that the 28-year old had acute appendicitis and Rahul had to have surgery for the same. Following the revelation, he immediately flew to Mumbai for the surgical procedure.

“KL Rahul complained of severe abdomen pain last night and after not responding to medication, he was taken to emergency room for further tests which revealed that he was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. It will be resolved surgically and for safety measures, he has been transferred to the hospital for the same,”

While it would be a massive blow to Punjab Kings, they have no choice but to play without their best batsman. Similar to the previous two editions, KL Rahul has been in top-notch form. His 331 runs are the most so far that includes four-half-centuries. Rahul’s opening partner and one of his good friends, Mayank Agarwal, will lead the side.

Mayank Agarwal missed the last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore:

While Mayank Agarwal seems to have limited captaincy experience, it is worth noting that a minor injury forced him to miss Punjab’s previous fixture against Royal Challengers Bangalore. In Rahul’s absence, Mayank would be responsible for getting his side to a flying start. The Karnataka-born cricketer has 161 runs in six games in IPL 2021 at 26.69 with one fifty. His stint would start on Sunday itself when Punjab Kings face Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Twitter Erupts As Jos Buttler Smashes His Maiden T20 Hundred