KKR hand captaincy reins to Dinesh Karthik
What's the story
Two-time Indian Premier League title winners Kolkata Knight Riders have appointed Dinesh Karthik as their captain. The 32-year-old Indian team cricketer will be leading the side for the upcoming 2018 season. KKR team's CEO Venky Mysore announced Karthik is the right man to lead the side with all the experience he has in the cash-rich league. Meanwhile, Robin Uthappa was selected as his deputy.
New challenge
What Karthik brings to the KKR set-up?
Karthik has been plying his trades in the IPL over the last 10 years and has represented various franchises. With Gautam Gambhir going to Delhi Daredevils, there is a big challenge for the Tamil Nadu's player in store. Karthik is not new to captaincy. He has the experience in leading his home state in domestic cricket besides also captaining in the Duleep Trophy.
Do you know?
Karthik fact-file as skipper
The veteran player has enough credentials to lead KKR. He helped Tamil Nadu win the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2009-10. He also led India Red bag the Duleep Trophy last year. In the T20 format he helped TUTI Patriots to the TNPL title in 2016.
IPL star
Karthik in IPL over the years
Karthik has played for several teams in the IPL and has been part of a title winning side, Mumbai Indians in 2013. Last two seasons, he represented the Gujarat Lions and in 2017 he scored 361 runs at an average of 36.10. IPL summary- Karthik has played 152 matches, scoring 2,903 runs. His best score is 86 and has a strike-rate of 125.94.
Twitter Post
A message from the new Knight leader
Here's a message for all #KnightRiders from our Captain, @DineshKarthik 😍#KorboLorboJeetbo pic.twitter.com/MNAvDM4tHp
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 4, 2018