Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) have made it clear that Shreyas Iyer will lead the side for the upcoming IPL season after the senior batter missed the IPL 2023 with a back injury. Nitish Rana who filled in the role of captain the previous season will now be Shreyas Iyer‘s deputy in IPL 2024.
Shreyas Iyer’s absence in IPL 2023 was a huge blow for KKR as they had a rather underwhelming season last time around finishing 7th on the points table. Shreyas Iyer missed the WTC final and made his return to cricket just before the World Cup. He played an important role in the middle order during the WC scoring over 500 runs. The batter also made his return to the shorter format in November against Australia.
We are delighted that Shreyas Iyer is back and at the helm as Captain- KKR’s CEO Venky Mysore
KKR’s CEO Venky Mysore has expressed his delight with Shreyas Iyer’s return to IPL in the next season. Speaking to the media after confirming Iyer’s return as Captain. He also praised Nitish Rana who took the responsibility in IPL 2023 and confirmed him as the vice-captain for the franchise in IPL 2024.
“It was indeed unfortunate that Shreyas missed IPL 2023 due to injury. We are delighted that he’s back and at the helm as Captain. The way he has worked hard to recover from his injury and the form he has displayed is a testament to his character,” said CEO Venky Mysore.
“We are also grateful that Nitish had agreed to step into Shreyas’ shoes last season and did a great job. There’s no doubt Nitish as Vice Captain will support Shreyas in every possible way for the benefit of #TeamKKR,” he added.
Nitish Rana did a great job- Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer praised Nitish Rana who took over the captaincy of KKR in IPL 2023 when Iyer was injured. Nitish Rana now has been named as the vice-captain for the upcoming edition and will be acting as Iyer’s deputy. Shreyas also said Rana’s inclusion as Vice-captain will strengthen the leadership group.
Shreyas said,
“I believe the last season presented us with several challenges, including my absence due to injury. Nitish did a great job not only filling in for me but also with his commendable leadership. I am delighted that KKR has named him Vice Captain. No doubt it will strengthen the leadership group,”
KKR also confirmed the return of their former Captain Gautam Gambhir as the mentor for the upcoming season. Gambhir is the most successful captain for the franchise leading them to two titles in 2012 and 2014. The former left-handed batter was released by KKR after he expressed his desire to play for his home team Delhi in 2018. Gambhir acted as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants since the team’s inclusion in 2022 helping them reach playoffs in both the years.