'Clown Franchise': Punjab Kings face heat over bizarre move involving Sam Curran and 'vice-captain' Jitesh Sharma

NEW DELHI: Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings on Saturday found themselves in the middle of a social media ridicule after they put England's Sam Curran in-charge of the team against Rajasthan Royals in the absence of regular skipper Shikhar Dhawan, ignoring designated vice-captain Jitesh Sharma.

Despite Jitesh featuring in the playing XI, Curran walked out for the toss against Royals in Mullanpur and it raised quite a few eyebrows among the fans and cricket enthusiasts.

Before the start of the season, Punjab had named Jitesh as Dhawan's deputy but Curran walking out to lead the franchise on Saturday had a few heads rolling.

At the toss, Curran informed that regular skipper Dhawan sat out with a niggle.

Punjab's unanticipated move saw the fans hitting out at the franchise for ignoring Jitesh.






Royals skipper Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to bowl against Punjab in Match 27.

For PBKS, Atharva Taide replaced Dhawan, while Liam Livingstone was also returned to the XI.

Jos Buttler and Ravichandran Ashwin missed out with Rovman Powell and Tanush Kotian coming in for the Royals.

"Jos isn't 100%, Ash bhai is having a niggle," informed Samson at the toss.

Royals are at the top of the IPL table this season while Punjab sit at the 8th spot.

Teams

Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Tanush Kotian, Keshav Maharaj, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Punjab Kings: Jonny Bairstow, Atharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (w), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada.