IPL 2025: Recently, legendary Indian opener and second-highest run-getter in the IPL and former Punjab Kings skipper, Shikhar Dhawan, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. He was highly praised after he announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket.
Dhawan, aged 38, was the skipper of the Punjab Kings at the beginning of the season, though due to his lack of fitness, he remained out of contention for most of the season. Now with him out, PBKS would look to have a new player in the role of their skipper.
Also, the likes of their substitute skipper, Sam Curran, who has a whopping worth of 18.5 crores, might not be retained for the season, as the player might be too heavy for their purse in the IPL mega-auction.
The top 3 players who can be ideal to replace Shikhar Dhawan
Steven Smith
The Aussie legend was once one of the finest players in the IPL, as he also led the Rising Pune Supergiants to the Finals back in 2001. However, since 2022, he has yet to be featured in the IPL as he went unsold for three seasons.
The Aussie came back strongly for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL, while she was not again picked for the Australian team traveling to the United States for the T20 World Cup.
After this, Smith was chosen as a skipper and opening batsman by the Washington Freedom in this year’s MLC 2024. There he led them from the front by example, as he batted stunningly to be the second-highest run-getter and also led his team to a Trophy win with a stunning knock in the final.
Smith can be the final answer to PBKS’ search for a consistent batter and also one of the finest cricketing brains.
Rohit Sharma
A legendary Indian skipper who won the T20 World Cup recently and is in the best form of his career can be a better player than him to be brought in by any team. With large speculations over Rohit Sharma’s parting ways with former franchise Mumbai Indians, he becomes a likely choice for a franchise like Sharma.
Sharma can be a huge buy for the Punjab Kings, though his age is also a factor since he also retired from international T20 cricket post the title triumph of India.
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Harry Brook
English youngsters have not had the most exemplary record while playing limited-overs cricket. He has enjoyed much success in the longest format of the game; however, he has also been recognized as one of the finest talents in short formats.
Brook has an IPL hundred in his opening season; though he missed the previous season due to injury, he has played in The Hundred and took his team forward with his alarming presence.
However, Sam Curran might also be favored over Brook, due to the latter’s ability to bowl four overs, as he was the third-highest wicket-getter of The Hundred with 17 wickets and also scored 200+ runs with a handy strike rate. Yet his price is to drop to a subtle amount before the auction.