Pankaj Dharmani to lead Punjab

The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Pankaj Dharmani has been appointed captain of Punjab, displacing Ankur Kakkar after three matches. Kakkar was dropped from the squad after Punjab's innings defeat to Tamil on Friday.

Dharmani, 35, was the one bright spot in that defeat in Amritsar, scoring the only two half-centuries for the home side. During the second round of Super League matches, Dharmani crossed the 7000-run mark in the Ranji Trophy. He is currently the team's leading run-scorer this season with 267 at an average of 44.50, with three half-centuries.

"Taking stock of the performance of the Punjab team, selectors have made two changes in the squad. Gagandeep Singh and Manish Bhatia have come in place of Bharat Loomba and Ankur Kakkar," said a PCA spokesperson.

Punjab have yet to win a game this Ranji Trophy season after three attempts.