Fans were left puzzled as Sam Curran walked out as PBKS captain during the toss, filling in for the absent skipper Shikhar Dhawan despite vice-captain Jitesh Sharma playing the match against RR. This unexpected turn of events sparked speculation amongst supporters, who questioned the team management's decision regarding Sharma's absence from the toss. As curiosity swirled, PBKS supporters eagerly awaited official statements to shed light on the situation and clarify the team's leadership dynamics. Notably, PBKS had officially confirmed during the captain's photoshoot ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024 that Jitesh Sharma will be Dhawan's deputy for the upcoming season. "Presenting the 9 captains with PBKS being represented by vice-captain Jitesh Sharma," IPL's X post said. Sam Curran walking out as Punjab captain took everyone by surprise, especially with Jitesh Sharma, the designated vice-captain, on hand. Curran shared updates on the team's composition, expressing anticipation for stellar performances from Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. "Shikhar picked up a niggle, that's why I'm here. We would have bowled first as well, but we'll now have to put the runs on the board. The balance has been good, we'd have liked to win a few more games, but the middle-order looks good, especially Shashank and Ashutosh. We've got exciting players and plenty of quality. We've Atharva Taide coming in for Shikhar tonight, Livingstone is back as well," Sam Curran informed at the toss. Meanwhile, RR captain Sanju Samson won the toss and opted to bowl against Punjab in the 27th group-stage match of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. While the Kings will be led by Sam Curran in Shikhar Dhawan's absence, the Royals will miss Jos Buttler and Ravichandran Ashwin, who miss out due to minor injuries. "We'll bowl first, it looks like a decent wicket to bowl first. We've made a target to not think about the goal, focus on the process, work on building the team and we're doing well. A lot of challenges outside as well, we've many players missing from tonight's game. 90% of the game was good - Jos isn't 100%, Ash bhai is having a niggle, so Rovman and Tanush Kotian come into the XI," Samson said after winning the toss. Teams: RR (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Tanush Kotian, Keshav Maharaj, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Yuzvendra Chahal PBKS (Playing XI): Jonny Bairstow, Atharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada.