Why is Sam Curran not playing today's SRH vs PBKS IPL 2024 match? 

Punjab Kings (PBKS) record acquisition Sam Curran is not part of the playing XI for the franchise in the final match of their 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). The match is underway at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, May 19, and marks the penultimate league stage match of the season.

Sam Curran had been leading the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the majority of the campaign due to Shikhar Dhawan's injury. The Englishman had led the team for a while in the previous season as well.

With Curran being part of England's squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan at home, he has left the PBKS camp much like other English players have from their respective franchises. Apart from Curran, wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow is also unavailable for PBKS among several others.

Leading PBKS for the first time, Jitesh Sharma announced that the side are fielding only one overseas player in their playing XI.

"We will bat first because the wicket is looking good, we want to put runs on the board and put pressure on the other team. We have less overseas options today, only Rilee Rossouw is available, but our Indian options are great! We will go out there and express ourselves, but, will not take anything lightly. Happy to get this opportunity to lead the side too," Jitesh said after opting to bat first.

Atharva Taide, Shivam Singh, and Rishi Dhawan are the members who have been brought in for the first time due to the unavailable overseas players.

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Sam Curran led from the front in PBKS' recent win over RR in IPL 2024

The all-rounder was at his best from a leadership and performance point of view to complicate Rajasthan Royals' (RR) Qualifier 1 hopes in PBKS' last outing. Curran led from the front to score a fifty in the tricky run chase at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Following the match, he confirmed that he would be leaving the tournament with Bairstow, leading them to miss the last clash for PBKS in Hyderabad.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed the season, thoroughly enjoyed captaining. Quite frustrating to leave, but obviously excited about the World Cup," Curran signed off.

SRH have made a decent start to the clash against the new-look PBKS' opening combination. The visitors are placed at 13-0 after two overs.