The Kolkata Knight Riders have been given a major setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, with sources telling that skipper Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the competition owing to injury. Shreyas had a back injury during the Test series against Australia and will be out for 2-3 months following surgery. The loss of Iyer, who was purchased for Rs 12.25 crore in 2022, would be significant for KKR since they will be without a key batter. In Shreyas’ absence, here are three cricketers who might take over as KKR captain –
Sunil Narine
The experienced West Indian spinner joined KKR in 2012, and he has played the most IPL matches for the side since then. He is a senior member of the team and has led KKR’s other franchises, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 and Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. Narine was a member of the KKR team that won the title twice, and he may be the ideal pick to lead the team in Shreyas’ absence.
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Shardul Thakur
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Shardul Thakur is in his first season at KKR, but his familiarity with coach Chandrakant Pandit may see him replace Shreyas as captain. Shardul has proven himself as a competent all-round option for India, and despite a poor run of form for the Delhi Capitals, he may be a huge asset for KKR as a partner for Andre Russell in the absence of Pat Cummins.
Shakib Al Hasan
The Bangladesh all-rounder has returned to KKR and might wind up guiding them in the upcoming season. This will be the experienced cricketer’s second tenure with the organisation, and with Shreyas Iyer out, he has the potential to become a staple in the top order. He has led Bangladesh for many years, and his knowledge with team management might put him in charge.
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