Shikhar Dhawan replaces Mayank Agarwal as Punjab Kings captain for IPL 2023

Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan will return as the captain of an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise as he is set to lead Punjab Kings (PBKS) from the 2023 season, replacing Mayank Agarwal.

Notably, Dhawan, who was bought at a huge sum of INR 8.25 crore in the IPL 2022 mega auction, played under Mayank’s captaincy in the 15th season. The Mohali-based franchise confirmed Dhawan’s appointment on Wednesday (November 2) evening.

“Gabbar will be at the Shikhar for Punjab Kings! #SherSquad, welcome your Skipper, Jatt ji! #ShikharDhawan #CaptainGabbar #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings @SDhawan25,” the franchise captioned their post on Twitter.

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Gabbar will be at the 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗿 for Punjab Kings! 🗻#SherSquad, welcome your 🆕 Skipper, Jatt ji! ♥️🤩#ShikharDhawan #CaptainGabbar #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings @SDhawan25 pic.twitter.com/BjEZZVVGrw

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 2, 2022

Not to mention, under the leadership of Mayank, who took over the job after KL Rahul decided to part ways with PBKS, the franchise managed seven wins from 14 matches to finish at the 6th spot.

Further, the captaincy also impacted Mayank’s batting, as he managed 196 runs from 13 matches. It was Mayank’s most-disappointing season since being given the opening job by PBKS. In 2020, the right-handed batter smashed 424 runs in 11 matches to earn his maiden T20I call-up. Then, in 2021, he again breached the 400-run mark and finished with 441 runs.

Mayank was one of the two players – Arshdeep Singh being the other – retained by PBKS before the IPL 2022 mega auction. However, whether PBKS will retain or release Agarwal remains to be seen. Franchises have until November 15 to submit a list of the players they want to keep ahead of the next IPL.

When it comes to Dhawan, he is among the most experienced campaigners in the cash-rich league, having been part of it since the inaugural season in 2008. Dhawan has been a captain in 11 matches (ten at Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and one for PBKS last year) with four wins and seven losses.