Why did Jitesh Sharma represent Punjab Kings during captains' photoshoot for IPL 2024 instead of Shikhar Dhawan?

Cricket fans across the globe are just few hours away from witness the biggest cricketing action in Indian Premier League (IPL) which is set to kick off from March 22. Meanwhile on the eve of IPL 2024, skippers from nine of the ten franchises gathered for captains' photoshoot. But what left everyone surprised was Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan's presence from the scene. Instead of Dhawan, Jitesh Sharma was present during the captains' photoshoot. The reason why Jitesh Sharma was present at the time of captains photoshoot was because he is PBKS' vice captain for the IPL 2024 and had to be there in absence of his leader Dhawan.

ALSO READ: CSK's first statement after MS Dhoni quits captaincy and Ruturaj Gaikwad's appointment as team's new skipper

ALSO READ: Massive blow to CSK, MS Dhoni's go to bowler to miss start of IPL 2024, know the reason here

Besides Jitesh, Ruturaj Gaikwad's presence during the captains photoshoot also grabbed eyeballs. However, moments after it was revealed that he will be leading Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024 as MS Dhoni has stepped down from captaincy post.

Punjab Kings' not so impressive track record in IPL

PBKS, rechristened from the name Kings XI Punjab, are one of the teams who have never lifted the IPL trophy so far. However, PBKS did reach the semifinals in 2008 and were also the runners-up in 2014 edition. The franchise has had a disappointing run so far in the IPL history as they failed to qualify for the playoffs for nine years. Their constant change in team's leadership has hindered their ability to find a winning formula. Notably, PBKS will start their IPL 2024's campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 25.

Here is Punjab Kings' schedule for IPL 2024's first-leg:

ALSO READ: 'Just make sure that you don’t...': Rohit Sharma clarifies intent behind viral ‘koi garden mai nahi ghumega’ comment

ALSO READ: ICC bans Sunrisers Hyderabad and SL superstar ahead of IPL 2024 a day after revoking his retirement

Punjab Kings Team's IPL 2024 Full Squad: 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK: 

'I have played with Sarfaraz's father in Kanga League': Rohit Sharma reveals he was lost in debut of 'these boys' in England Test series  

Mumbai Indians announce South Africa's Under-19 bowling sensation and Kagiso Rabada's disciple as Dilshan Madushanka's replacement

Delhi Capitals officially announce their captain for IPL 2024 with last-minute leadership change

Steve Smith gives his verdict on Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup selection, says 'I've been on the opposition...'

Rohit Sharma clears the air on who shouted 'yeh aage badhega' to orchestrate Ollie Pope's stumping and it's not wicket-keeper Dhurv Jurel