NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings found themselves embroiled in controversy on social media as fans voiced their displeasure over the unexpected appointment of Sam Curran as captain in place of the injured Shikhar Dhawan during their IPL 2024 match against Rajasthan Royals.
The decision raised eyebrows particularly as Jitesh Sharma had been earlier designated as the franchise's 'vice-captain'.
IPL 2024: POINTS TABLE | ORANGE CAP | PURPLE CAP
PBKS head coach Sanjay Bangar addressed the brewing storm in a post-match clarification after their narrow three-wicket loss at home. He shed light on the situation, explaining that while Jitesh Sharma represented the Punjab franchise in the IPL captain's shoot ahead of the season, he was never officially designated as the vice-captain.
Bangar revealed that the decision to send Jitesh to the pre-season event in Chennai was in accordance with IPL directives, which stated that any player could represent the franchise at the captain's seminar. He further clarified that Curran was initially slated to attend the event but missed it due to his late arrival from the UK.
"Jitesh wasn't the designated vice-captain. The impression could have been because he attended the captain's seminar or meeting at the start of the tournament," stated Bangar. "But we were very clear in our minds that if at all there would be an opening, it would be Sam to lead the team."
The confusion surrounding the captaincy decision left veterans and experts puzzled, while fans expressed their frustration on social media platforms.
1/8:Shimron Hetmyer stars in Rajasthan Royals' thrilling victory over Punjab Kings
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2/8:Shimron Hetmyer's Finish
Punjab needed 10 runs from the last over, and Hetmyer (27 not out off 10 balls) held his nerve against death-bowling specialist Arshdeep Singh.PTI
3/8:Rajasthan Royals on Top
Rajasthan Royals cemented top spot in the league with a third straight win.AFP
4/8:Punjab Kings' Struggles
The slumping Punjab Kings were handed a fourth loss in six games.PTI
5/8:Spin Dominance
Rajasthan’s spinners squeezed the scoring rate. Yuzvendra Chahal took 1-31 in four overs and Keshav Maharaj picked 2-23.ANI
6/8:Pace Bowling Impact for Punjab
As opposed to Rajasthan's spin, Punjab's pace did the heavy lifting and got the vital breakthroughs. Kagiso Rabada dismissed Jaiswal, and in-form skipper Sanju Samson.AFP
7/8:Hetmyer, the finisher
Shimron Hetmyer provided the finishing touches to Rajasthan Royals' last-over win against Punjab Kings in the IPL thriller.PTI
