
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the two-time IPL champions, have unveiled Shreyas Iyer as their captain for the 2024 IPL season, with Nitish Rana appointed as his deputy. The announcement marks Iyer’s return to leadership after missing the 2023 season due to injury.
Reflecting on his absence last season, Iyer expressed gratitude for Rana’s leadership in his stead and commended his performance. “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,” said Iyer in a statement released by the franchise.
Iyer’s injury
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Iyer’s injury in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Ahmedabad sidelined him from the IPL 2023, but he made a successful comeback during India’s campaign in the Asia Cup. His exceptional form continued in ODIs, culminating in an impressive 530 runs in 11 matches during the ODI World Cup.
During Iyer’s absence, Rana captained KKR in the 2023 season, leading the team to a seventh-place finish in the points table. Despite the challenges faced, KKR’s management is optimistic about Iyer’s return, praising his dedication and performance post-injury.
KKR’s CEO, Venky Mysore talks about Iyer
Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR, expressed delight at Iyer’s return and praised both Iyer’s resilience and Rana’s contributions. “Shreyas’s hard work to recover and the stellar form he’s displayed speaks volumes about his character. Nitish, as Vice Captain, will undoubtedly bolster Shreyas’s leadership,” stated Mysore.
Iyer and Rana are among the 12 players retained by KKR ahead of the IPL 2024 player auction, set to take place in Dubai. With four overseas slots and a budget of INR 32.7 crores, KKR aims to build a robust squad for the upcoming season.