Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: Jio Cinema)

Punjab Kings’ skipper Shikhar Dhawan, who is leading the side for the first time, had a mare at the toss against Kolkata Knight Riders as he forgot the name of his fourth overseas player in the playing eleven. Dhawan, who lost the toss, named Sam Curran, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Nathan Ellis as his overseas choices but forgot the name of his fourth player.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ stand-in skipper Nitish Rana won the toss and put in Punjab Kings to bat first on a flat surface in Mohali. When former Indian cricketer Murali Karthik asked Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan to name his four overseas players for their campaign opener against KKR, the veteran Indian opener forgot the name of his fourth overseas player, Sikandar Raza.

“We would have fielded first. We have got a balanced side, so hopefully, we will do good. The team preparation has been good and we will look to dominate the game, hoping for a great season ahead. We are eager to win the trophy and I am looking to lead from the front. My overseas players are – Bhanuka, Nathan Ellis, and Sam Curran, don’t remember the fourth name,” Dhawan said after the toss.

Dhawan could not remember the name even after giving it a second go. However, it was revealed that the fourth overseas pick in the starting eleven was none other than the star all-rounder from Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, making his debut in the tournament. Meanwhile, his counterpart Nitish Rana had no such trouble naming his overseas players as he put forward the names of Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Tim Southee.

Dhawan was named the captain of the side after they axed Mayank Agarwal from the side, following a dismal campaign in last year’s tournament. The Punjab-based outfit also parted ways with head coach Anil Kumble, roping in World Cup-winning Australian coach Trevor Bayliss as a replacement ahead of the 16th edition of the tournament.