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Cricket fans were in shock after Chennai Super Kings announced Ruturaj Gaikwad as their captain for the upcoming season, succeeding the iconic MS Dhoni, who led the team to their five IPL trophies. While fans eagerly awaited the customary captains’ photo shoot, Shikhar Dhawan, the seasoned opener and captain of Punjab Kings, was absent from the photo.
Instead, it was Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper-batter, who represented the team, raising speculation about his potential role within the squad. The captains’ photo session is a cherished tradition in the IPL, where the skippers of the respective franchises proudly pose alongside the coveted trophy.
During the event before the season opener in Chennai, all ten captains of the tournament posed with the trophy, while Dhawan was missing. The newly appointed vice-captain of Punjab Kings was there at the event in the absence of Dhawan. IPL, through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, tweeted “Presenting the 9 captains with PBKS being represented by vice-captain Jitesh Sharma.”
Also read: Chennai Super Kings appoint Ruturaj Gaikwad as new skipper replacing MS Dhoni
Shikhar Dhawan’s absence from today’s travel was due to a minor illness – PBKS source
A source close to the Punjab Kings franchise clarified the situation to MyKhel, explaining, “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.”
“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 further added.
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Jitesh Sharma, the 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Amravati, Maharashtra, has been a revelation since making his IPL debut in 2022. With 543 runs scored in 26 matches at an impressive average of 25.86, Sharma has quickly established himself.
Meanwhile, PBKS will face Delhi Capitals in their opening game of the tournament on March 23 at the new Mullanpur stadium.