Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Dinesh Karthik stepped down from leadership duties ahead of their game against Mumbai Indians later today. World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan will captain the side going forward. While many saw this coming, many were shocked by Karthik’s decision, who resigned with a view to focus on his batting and contributing more to the team’s cause”.
Kolkata have blown hot and cold so far in IPL 2020 in the UAE. They have won four out of their seven matches in the 13th edition so far and are placed fourth on the points table. Dinesh Karthik’s leadership leader skills have come under the scanner right from the first game.
KKR appoint Eoin Morgan as captain:
Moreover, Karthik hasn’t been in the best of forms with the bat, averaging 15.42 for his 108 runs so far in the IPL season. With the league poised rightly, veteran wicket-keeper batsman decided to step aside in the best interest of the side. KKR issued a statement to reveal the news and appoint Eoin Morgan as the skipper of the side for the rest of the season.
“We are fortunate to have leaders such as DK, who has always put the team first,” Venky Mysore, the CEO of KKR said. “It takes a lot of courage for someone like him to take a decision such as this. While we were surprised by his decision, we are respectful of his wishes.
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“We are also fortunate that Eoin Morgan, the 2019 World Cup-winning captain, who has been the vice-captain, is willing to lead the side going forward. DK and Eoin have worked brilliantly together during this tournament and although Eoin takes over as captain, this is effectively a role swap and we expect that this transition will work in a seamless manner.
“On behalf of everyone at Kolkata Knight Riders, we thank DK for all his contributions as the captain over the past two and a half years and wish Eoin the very best going forward,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik took over the baton from Gautam Gambhir ahead of the start of IPL 2018 and has failed to give the desired results. He led the side to the playoffs in his first season as captain but bowed from the group stages last year.
Soon after the news broke out, many welcomed the move and said that they saw it coming. They are hopeful that this will inject a positive impact and KKR will be a better side.
Here are some of the reactions on Twitter:
They have a game tonight. And while it’s their decision to make, Morgan’s batting form has left a lot to be desired in #IPL2020 There’s another team in the competition that’s struggling with their overseas captain’s form. https://t.co/GiQOvH7nJo
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 16, 2020
Honestly, doesn’t come as a surprise at all to me. Good call. Morgan’s got the experience, track record. DK should simply bat freely now. #KKR https://t.co/kastbG2cy1
— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) October 16, 2020
BIG: @DineshKarthik steps down as #KKR captain. Says wants to focu on batting and helping team cause. @Eoin16, England’s World Cup winning captain, takes over
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 16, 2020
The player in @DineshKarthik is very imp for @KKRiders this might well help them get the best of him. @Eoin16 can take the pressure of him and it this might turn out to be a very imp and timely call.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) October 16, 2020
Well done @DineshKarthik! Not often that people think about the team more. Hope you go well and flourish in your new role.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) October 16, 2020
Interesting to hear, @Eoin16 taking over the captaincy at #KKR this highlights how critical captaincy is and having the best possible person at the helm! #Leadership #IPL2020
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) October 16, 2020
A little late yet not too late. #KKR gracefully handles an awkward situation. Seems @iamsrk has learnt his lesson from Buchanan-Ganguly issue in 2009. #DineshKarthik #EoinMorgan
— Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa) October 16, 2020
