The Kolkata Knight Riders announced Shreyas Iyer as their captain ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024 season on Thursday, December 14. Nitish Rana, who led the franchise in the last edition as Shreyas Iyer was injured, has been named as the vice-captain for the season.
Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of IPL 2023 due to a back injury. Nitish Rana took up the leadership duties in his absence. The Kolkata Knight Riders finished eighth in the season. Heading into the upcoming edition, the franchise has re-appointed Shreyas Iyer, who has returned to the game after surgery.
“Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR, announced today (Thursday, 14 December) that Shreyas Iyer will continue to Captain KKR and Nitish Rana will be the Vice Captain,” wrote the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Quick Update 👇#IPL2024 @VenkyMysore @ShreyasIyer15 @NitishRana_27 pic.twitter.com/JRBJ5aEHRO
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 14, 2023
Making the announcement, Venky said, “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. The way he has worked hard to recover from his injury and the form he has displayed is a testament to his character.”
Nitish Rana as vice-captain will strengthen the leadership group: Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer expressed that his absence presented several challenges for the franchise last year. However, he added that in his absence, Nitish Rana did a good job as a captain. He further said that Rana’s presence would strengthen the leadership group.
“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,” Iyer said.
Earlier, the Kolkata Knight Riders announced the joining of Gautam Gambhir as the mentor. Gambhir led the franchise to two IPL title wins in 2012 and 2014. He was the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants for the last two years.
