IPL 2024: Three Players Who Can Replace Shikhar Dhawan As Punjab Kings Captain

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IPL 2024: At the age of 38, Shikhar Dhawan is all set to lead the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2024 season. Under the captaincy of Dhawan, Punjab finished eighth in the ten-team IPL 2023.

The side managed to win just six of their 14 matches but Shikhar Dhawan managed to score 373 runs in 11 matches at an average of 41.44 and a strike rate of 142.91.

Punjab Kings haven't won the coveted IPL trophy till date. Numerous captains including KL Rahul, Yuvraj Singh, Adam Gilchrist and Virender Sehwag have led the franchise in the past, but the silverware has eluded them time and again.

Shikhar Dhawan would be aiming to end the title drought this season. In a recent interview the veteran opener made it clear that his focus is to win the trophy for Punjab Kings.

"The focus is to help Punjab Kings get the trophy and follow a strong process and preparation along the way," Dhawan recently told New18.

Dhawan missed out a few matches last season. Considering that, the Delhi-born batter isn't even playing domestic cricket, his fitness would also be in focus. There have been occasions in the IPL when captains have been sacked midway through the seasons.

While fans would want Shikhar Dhawan to have an spectacular season, eyes will also be on a few players who can take the baton from Dhawan. Preparing a leader would also be a job Dhawan might actively be involved in this season.

IPL 2024: Three Players Who Can Replace Shikhar Dhawan As Punjab Kings Captain

Sam Curran: The England all-rounder led PBKS in three matches last season in the absence of Dhawan. Punjab won two matches under him. The England all-rounder became the costliest ever IPL buy when PBKS shelled out Rs 18.50 crore in IPL 2023 auction.

The 25-year-old has been retained despite the big sum, and that's a clear sign that PBKS are looking to invest in him and considering him for the leadership role. In IPL 2023, he scored 276 runs and picked 10 wickets.

The youngster has vast T20 experience. He has featured in 214 T20 matches and scored 2856 runs at a strike rate of 133.33. He has also picked 203 wickets at an economy rate of 8.73.

Liam Livingstone: The England all-rounder is a celebrated white-ball star and chances of him becoming the Punjab Kings captain cannot be ruled out.

The 30-year-old is a regular in England's white-ball team. The right-hand batter has featured in 254 T20 matches and scored 5977 runs at an average of 27.80 and a strike rate of 144.33. He has also picked 104 wickets with his spin bowling.

The 30-year-old scored 279 runs in the IPL 2023 at an average of 34.88 and a strike rate of 163.16. In IPL 2022, Livingstone scored 437 runs in 14 matches at an average of 36.42 and a strike rate of 182.08. Having played alongside Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes, Livingstone might have learnt a trade or two about captaincy.

Sikandar Raza: The Zimbabwe veteran became the first player from Zimbabwe to hit a fifty last season. The 37-year-old has made all the right noises in the last few years.

His performances across formats have been spectacular for Zimbabwe and whichever teams he has turned up for. In IPL 2023, he scored 139 runs in seven matches at an average of 27.80 and a strike rate of 141.84. He also chipped in with three wickets.

Overall, the Zimbabwe captain has featured in 212 T20 matches to score 4424 runs and pick 124 wickets. Apart from his age, all the other factors are in his favour, and PBKS can give the hardworking cricketer a go.