Sam Curran coming out for the toss raised a few eyebrows. Not only because of the team’s regular captain Shikhar Dhawan’s absence, but also for the fact that Punjab Kings’ designated vice-captain Jitesh Sharma wasn’t given the role.
“Shikhar picked up a niggle. That’s why I’m here,” Curran, who was standing in for the regular skipper, said at the toss. Before that a post from Punjab Kings on X said: “Captain A̶r̶j̶a̶n̶ reporting for duty!” It was accompanied by a video clip of Sam Curran.
Interestingly, at the pre-IPL photo shoot, Jitesh was present on Punjab Kings’ behalf as the team’s designated vice-captain and the fans reminded the franchise about that in no uncertain terms.
“What a clown Franchise, Jitesh Sharma is designated Vice Captain, but they sent Sam Curran as Captain. Impossible team this is,” wrote a netizen. Another one asked: “Why was jitesh announced as VC before the tournament… And now Sam is captain”?
In fact, the franchise was mercilessly trolled for their decision to snub Jitesh, who is an India player in the T20I format. Jitesh, of course, has been included in the playing XI as wicketkeeper-batsman.