KL Rahul, Punjab Kings Captain, To Step Down From Role Due To National Team Commitments

Rahul Will Continue To Play For Team In IPL 2023

Assistant Coach Wasim Jaffer To Take Over As Interim Captain

Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul will step down from his role ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season.

The Indian batter has made the decision to focus on his international career, with the team’s assistant coach Wasim Jaffer set to take over as interim captain.

Rahul, who has led the Punjab Kings since 2018, said he was proud of what the team had achieved during his tenure.

"I have decided to step down as captain of the Punjab Kings to focus on my international career and personal growth," Rahul said in a statement.

"I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I wish the team all the best in the future."

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon said the team respected Rahul's decision and thanked him for his contributions.

"KL has been a great captain for the Punjab Kings, and we respect his decision to step down," Menon said.

"We thank him for his hard work and dedication, and we wish him all the best in the future."

Rahul's decision to step down as captain comes after a disappointing IPL 2022 campaign for the Punjab Kings, who finished sixth in the points table.

The team has not won an IPL title since its inception in 2008.

Rahul has been a key player for the Indian national cricket team in recent years, and he will be hoping to lead the team to success at the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia.

The Punjab Kings will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing IPL 2022 campaign under the leadership of Jaffer, who has a wealth of experience as a coach and player.

The IPL 2023 season is scheduled to begin on March 31, with the Punjab Kings set to open their campaign against the Chennai Super Kings on April 1.