MUMBAI: Punjab Kings' captain Mayank Agarwal hailed bowler Arshdeep Singh as the leader in the team, after his side's 54-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Friday.
With a brilliant economy rate of 6.80 in his four-over spell of 1/27, Arshdeep played a key role in Punjab's comprehensive win at the Brabourne Stadium here.
After the match, while talking about Arshdeep, skipper Agarwal said: "Very, very energetic person. Very confident guy, enjoys his cricket. Must say he's the leader in the team. He rallies around everyone, takes up the responsibility, even goes up and speaks to the bowlers sometimes."
Whirlwind knocks from Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone guided Punjab to a mammoth total of 209, which laid the foundation of their big win.
"We were brilliant with the bat. The wicket was holding up a bit. The way Jonny and Livi (Livingstone) batted, it was amazing. We haven't changed a lot to be honest, just about understanding a few situations, understanding the wicket," the Punjab captain said.
"We have to be adaptable and flexible, which we have been, which is nice. Can't be too defensive with the ball. If the batsmen get going, it doesn't matter, the boundaries don't matter these days.
Agarwal, who is the regular opener for Punjab, has pushed himself down the order to accommodate Jonny Bairstow at the top.
"Two points the most crucial thing for us. As long as the job gets done, I'm fine batting at five," Mayank added.
