IPL 2024: Why are Punjab Kings' players wearing black armbands against RCB? Explained

Punjab Kings conceded 240 runs to RCB in the first innings in Dharamsala.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are clashing in match No. 58 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on May 9, 2024, with the match being played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

RCB batted first against the Punjab Kings on Thursday after Faf du Plessis lost the toss. They didn’t start well, losing Faf du Plessis (9) and Will Jacks (12) early.

However, Virat Kohli was outstanding in keeping the innings moving at a breakneck pace. He and Rajat Patidar (55 off 23) combined for 76 runs to put the team in control.

Kohli dominated proceedings before being dismissed for a fantastic 92 off 47 balls, including seven fours and six maximums. Then, Cameron Green (46) and Dinesh Karthik (18) helped RCB score a massive 241/7 on the board.

Harshal Patel took three wickets and claimed the Purple Cap, while Vidwath Kaverappa returned with two scalps for the PBKS team.

Here is why PBKS players are wearing black armbands in this match

Meanwhile, the home team in this match, PBKS, were seen wearing black armbands in this encounter. The reason behind for doing so is to pay tribute to their all-rounder Chris Woakes’ father Roger Woakes, who passed away.

As per reports in Sportsrush, Roger Woakes played for Warwickshire’s Second XI team. However, he was unable to represent the first XI team and so failed to qualify for the England national team.

At the IPL 2024 auction, the Punjab-based franchise paid INR 4.20 crores for Chris Woakes. PBKS engaged in a fierce struggle with the Kolkata Knight Riders to secure the all-rounder’s services. However, he has not appeared in any games this season.

Woakes has played 21 IPL games, took 30 wickets, and scored 78 runs. His last outing with the Delhi Capitals was in 2021. In three games for the Capitals that season, he took five wickets.

The 35-year-old withdrew from the 2023 auction to focus on the Ashes. He demonstrated his worth by capturing 19 wickets in three games, at an impressive average of 18.16.

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