Five reasons why Punjab can lift their first-ever Indian T20 League trophy in 2022

The Punjab team's squad for the 2022 season looks completely different from what they were last season. They had a fantastic mega auction in February as they roped in some very good players.

Mayank Agarwal has been appointed as their new leader for the season and the team would expect good results from him. They have never won the tournament but came very close to a win in 2014. This time, they would want to replicate their 2014 performance and go the distance. Here are the reasons why Punjab can win their first-ever ITL title.

Good assembly of players

At the end of the mega auction, Punjab was one of the happiest teams. They assembled a great squad with minimal gaps in them. They now have good options in every department of the game, with a mix of young and experienced players. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, Shahrukh Khan can be match-winners of their day. 

New Leadership

Mayank Agarwal is a smart and tactical player. After KL Rahul left the team, he was the obvious choice to take over the captaincy. He has very limited experience as a captain but he can do well for the team. Captaincy brings the best out of most players and Punjab will be hoping the same comes true for Mayank Agarwal as well. 

Powerhouse middle-order

Punjab acquired some very good players in the mega auction. They bought Shahrukh Khan, Liam Livingstone, and Odean Smith, who are all great strikers of the ball. While Smith and Livingstone are new players, Shahrukh Khan was re-bought by them in the mega auction. All these players can tear apart any bowling lineup and help the team finish on a high. Punjab was lacking depth in the team in the last few seasons but this squad gives them some very good options.

Overseas talent

The overseas talents that Punjab has for this season is a title-winning combination. They have Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Kagiso Rabada, and Odean Smith, who will be their first choice overseas combination in the playing XI. All these players have done really well for their respective countries and some have also played well for their ITL teams. Bairstow and Rabada have some great records with their past teams. They would like to have even better performances with Punjab.

Shikhar Dhawan's presence

Shikhar Dhawan brings in a lot of experience with him to the team. He has been a great player for a long time now and has some great experience in the Indian T20 League. Apart from that, he has been very consistent in the tournament. He has been in contention to win the orange cap for the last two seasons.