- Shreyas Iyer returns as KKR captain for IPL 2024 after missing 2023 due to a back injury.
- Nitish Rana named vice-captain, forming a strong leadership duo.
- KKR aims for improved performance with Iyer back and Rana as vice-captain in IPL 2024.
In a much-anticipated return, Shreyas Iyer is set to reclaim the captaincy for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming IPL 2024 after missing the entire 2023 season due to a back injury. Nitish Rana, who took the helm in Iyer’s absence last season, will now assume the role of vice-captain, forming a formidable leadership duo for the team.
Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy record with KKR
Iyer’s captaincy history with KKR dates back to IPL 2022, where he led the team to a seventh-place finish with six wins and eight defeats. Unfortunately, a back injury in April 2023 sidelined Iyer from both the IPL and the World Test Championship final that summer. Under Rana’s captaincy in IPL 2023, KKR experienced a similar seventh-place finish with a record of six wins and eight defeats.
Acknowledging the challenges of the previous season, Iyer praised Rana’s commendable leadership in steering the team in his absence. The absence of Iyer led to Rana stepping up as captain, a role he effectively fulfilled.
“I believe the last season presented us with several challenges, including my absence due to injury,” Iyer said in a statement. “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”
The announcement of Rana as vice-captain is met with delight by Iyer, who sees it as a strengthening of the team’s leadership group. Significant changes in the KKR camp include the induction of new coaching staff, with Chandrakant Pandit and former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir joining.
Gambhir, a two-time IPL-winning captain with KKR in 2012 and 2014, reunites with Iyer, having previously worked together at Delhi Daredevils. KKR has also released 12 players ahead of the IPL auction, with a purse of INR 32.7 crore for the upcoming auction on December 19.
CEO Venky Mysore expressed gratitude for Iyer’s recovery, praising his character and form. Mysore also acknowledged Rana’s successful stint as captain last season and expects him to provide valuable support to Iyer as vice-captain.
Iyer’s return is seen as a positive development for KKR despite his previous record with the franchise. The team is optimistic about an improved performance in IPL 2024 with Iyer at the helm and Rana as vice-captain, emphasizing the unfortunate nature of Iyer’s absence in IPL 2023 due to injury. The statement concludes with optimism about the collaborative efforts between Iyer and Rana for the benefit of #TeamKKR.
“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,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore said. “The way he has worked hard to recover from his injury and the form he has displayed is a testament to his character.
“We are also grateful that Nitish had agreed to step into Shreyas’s 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.”
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