Jitesh Sharma Punjab Kings new captain: Now only three league matches are left in IPL 2024 and the journey of some teams has also ended. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, who are out of the playoff race, have their last league match left, which they have to play against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 19. Before this match, everyone was curious as to who will captain the team in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan and Sam Curran, but now the answer to this question has been found. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma has been named captain by the Punjab team for its final league match, who will be the third player to take charge of PBKS in the current season.

There is a big reason behind Jitesh Sharma being appointed captain. Actually, Shikhar Dhawan, who captained in the beginning matches of the season, got injured midway and he will not be a part of the last league match of Punjab Kings. At the same time, Sam Curran had captained in his absence but he has now gone back to England due to the T20 series against Pakistan starting from May 22. Jonny Bairstow has also left with him.

This is why Punjab Kings have expressed confidence in Jitesh, who was seen representing Punjab Kings during the photoshoot with all the captains before the start of the season. However, it was then believed that he was the vice-captain but later Punjab Kings denied it.

Punjab Kings have only 2 foreign players available for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

There were 8 foreign players in the Punjab Kings squad for the season, but now only Riley Russo and Nathan Ellis are left for the team's last league match. Before Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Chris Woakes also returned to England. At the same time, all-rounder Sikandar Raza left Punjab Kings midway for the T20 series against Bangladesh, while South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned due to injury. In such a situation, the team has only 2 foreign players left.

It is worth noting that even in the current season, the performance of Punjab Kings has not been anything special and the team is at ninth position with 10 points after registering 5 wins in 13 matches. Punjab will try to end the disappointing season with a win.