In the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shreyas Iyer is set to command the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) again. Shreyas sat out the 2023 season because he was hurt. Nitish Rana had the honor of being captain during that year.
In the absence of the normal captain, Rana led the team to seventh place in the rankings with six victories and eight losses.
Venky Mysore, the CEO of the franchise, has announced that Shreyas Iyer will captain the squad now that he is clear of any injury issues. After leading the Delhi Capitals (DC) to the IPL 2020 final, the right-handed batter’s batting prowess and leadership qualities drew KKR’s attention at the 2022 mega auction. After letting go of players like Eoin Morgan and Dinesh Karthik, the Knight Riders were looking for a new skipper.
Shreyas Iyer captained the KKR squad in the 2022 season, although the club failed to make the playoffs. With 12 points, the franchise finished sixth.
“It was indeed unfortunate that Shreyas missed IPL 2023 due to injury. We are delighted that he is 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 testament to his character. We are also grateful that Nitish had agreed to step up into Shreyas’ shoes last season and did a great job. There’s no doubt Nitish as vice-captain will support Shreyas in every way possible for the benefit of Team KKR,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement.
Venky Mysore
Shreyas Iyer had back surgery to treat the injury, which kept him out of commission for the most of 2023. He returned in the 2023 Asia Cup after missing the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final and the 2023 Indian Premier League. The talented hitter competed for the 2023 ODI World Cup team that placed second.
“I believe the last season presented us with several challenges” – Shreyas Iyer
KKR is under a lot of pressure heading into IPL 2024, especially after failing to enter the playoffs for two straight seasons.
The collaboration of returning skipper Shreyas Iyer and newly hired mentor Gautam Gambhir will be critical, beginning with the forthcoming 2024 IPL mini-auction on December 19.
“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,” Shreyas said in a statement released by KKR.
Shreyas Iyer