IPL 2024: Exclusive - Shikhar Dhawan's Absence from Captains Photo Explained; Jitesh Sharma Appointed Vice-Captain for Punjab Kings

Add as a preferred source on Google

In a surprising turn of events, MS Dhoni, the renowned five-time IPL-winning captain of the Chennai Super Kings, has once again left fans astonished. The eve of IPL 2024 witnessed the announcement of Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain of the Chennai franchise, catching many off guard.

This revelation came to light only when the IPL officially released images of the nine captains alongside Punjab Kings' vice-captain, Jitesh Sharma, posing with the IPL 2024 trophy before the tournament's kickoff in Chennai on Friday (March 22).

With news spreading rapidly of Dhoni relinquishing leadership of the defending champions, speculation arose regarding Shikhar Dhawan's captaincy with the Mohali-based franchise. However, a source from PBKS clarified the situation exclusively to myKhel, debunking the rumours and affirming Dhawan's captaincy for the season.

The source explained, "As indicated in the IPL announcement, Jitesh Sharma is now officially the vice-captain of Punjab Kings for this season. Shikhar Dhawan's absence from today's travel was due to a minor illness. He is expected to recover in time for PBKS' inaugural match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday (March 23) at the newly constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali."

Furthermore, the source reassured, "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, Delhi Capitals." The match between PBKS and DC at the new PCA Stadium will be the first IPL game at this venue.

Who is Jitesh Sharma?

Jitesh Sharma, the 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, hails from Amrawati, Maharashtra. The right-handed batsman made his IPL debut in 2022 and has participated in 26 matches thus far in his IPL career, amassing 543 runs at an average of 25.86, with his highest IPL score standing at 49 not out.

Throughout his IPL career, Sharma has struck 44 fours and 33 sixes. In the IPL Auction 2024, the Punjab franchise secured Jitesh Sharma's services for Rs 20.00 Lac.

PBKS Strongest Playing XI for IPL 2024

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza, Ashutosh Sharma, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshal Patel, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh.

PBKS full Squad for IPL 2024

Shikhar Dhawan, Jitesh Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Bhatia, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Chris Woakes, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Tanay Thyagarajan, Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shivam Singh, Prince Choudhary, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Vidwath Kaverappa, Harshal Patel.