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.
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