PBKS vs DC, IPL 2024: Will unwell Shikhar Dhawan play against Delhi Capitals?

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PBKS vs DC, IPL 2024: As Punjab Kings (PBKS) gear up to kick off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the New PCA Stadium in Chandigarh on Saturday (March 23), fans are key to know the availability of Shikhar Dhawan, who could not attend the captains' photoshoot due to illness.

Jitesh Sharma turned up to represent Punjab Kings in place of captain Shikhar Dhawan at the event held a day before the IPL 2024 opener between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday, March 22.

Replying to a query from MyKhel.com, a PBKS source revealed that Dhawan could not accompany the nine other captains at the official photoshoot event due to a minor illness. He also confirmed that Jitesh Sharma was the designated vice-captain of Punjab Kings for the IPL 2024 season.

Shikhar Dhawan Update: Will Punjab Kings captain play vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

Going as per the details given by the Punjab Kings source, Shikhar Dhawan will take the field to lead his team against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first day game of the IPL 2024 at the newly-constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium.

"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," PBKS had informed the website on Thursday, March 21.

"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.

"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 source had added.

Punjab Kings finished eighth in IPL 2023. The team managed to win just six of their 14 league stage matches. Dhawan, who last played on May 19, 2023, would be aiming to stretch his IPL career with a successful campaign this year.