Punjab Kings have almost been eliminated from the race to the IPL 2023 playoffs. PBKS suffered a 15-run loss against the Delhi Capitals last night at the HPCA Stadium, and this defeat has severely dented their chances of making it to the playoffs.
It has been nine years since the fans saw the Punjab Kings competing in the playoffs. The last time PBKS made it to the playoffs was in the 2014 season, where they finished runners-up after losing to the Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.
PBKS have changed their captain many times in the league, and looking at the way Shikhar Dhawan led the team in this season, it seems like they may appoint a new skipper again in 2024. Here’s a look at the three players who can replace Dhawan as the captain.
1. Sam Curran did a great job as Punjab Kings captain in IPL 2023
Shikhar Dhawan missed a few matches in IPL 2023 owing to a shoulder injury. During his injury break, Sam Curran captained the Punjab team and did an impressive job. Fans on social media pointed out that Curran did a better job as captain than Dhawan. Hence, it should not be a surprise if the most expensive signing in IPL history becomes the captain of the Kings.
2. Arshdeep Singh
PBKS have tried out many senior and experienced players as captains. None of them have been able to do the job for them. Perhaps, PBKS can try out a rising star like Arshdeep Singh as their captain. Singh knows how to make a comeback as he has done it multiple times in his career. Also, he can be the local face of the franchise.
3. Sikandar Raza
Sikandar Raza is one of the most underrated players in T20 cricket now. He can shoulder the middle-order and bowl four overs of quality spin. Yet, PBKS dropped him multiple times this season. If Raza becomes the new captain, he can lead the team to glory.
