After the Chennai Super Kings revealed that Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain the team for the 2019 season, taking over from the legendary MS Dhoni, who guided the team to five IPL trophies, cricket fans were taken aback. As supporters excitedly anticipated the traditional captains’ photo opportunity, veteran opener and Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan was noticeably absent.
Rather, Jitesh Sharma, the batsman-wicketkeeper, represented the team, sparking rumors about his possible position on the team. In the beloved IPL ritual known as the captains’ photo session, the captains of the individual teams proudly hold the coveted trophy.
At the pre-season event in Chennai, Shikhar Dhawan was absent from the group of eleven captains who posed for the trophy. In place of Dhawan at the function was the recently named vice captain of the Punjab Kings. “Presenting the 9 captains, with PBKS being represented by vice captain Jitesh Sharma,” the Indian Premier League tweeted through its official X (formerly Twitter) page.
According to a PBKS insider, Shikhar Dhawan’s mild ailment prevented him from traveling today.
As stated in the IPL announcement, Jitesh Sharma is now formally the vice captain of the Punjab Kings for this season, according to a source close to the team that provided clarification to MyKhel. Due to a minor illness, Shikhar Dhawan was unable to travel today. He should recover in time for PBKS’ home opener against the Delhi Capitals on Saturday, March 23, at Mullanpur, Mohali’s brand-new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium.”
“Dhawan has been actively training with the team in Mohali and is slated to be fully prepared for the opening game against their northern rivals, the Delhi Capitals,” the insider went on to say.
Also read: IPL 2024: MS Dhoni is replaced as captain by Ruturaj Gaikwad
Since making his IPL debut in 2022, Amravati, Maharashtra-born Jitesh Sharma, 30, has been a brilliant batsman and wicketkeeper. Sharma has made a name for himself with an astounding average of 25.86 and 543 runs scored in 26 games.
On March 23, PBKS and Delhi Capitals will play their first tournament match at the brand-new Mullanpur stadium.
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