IPL 2024

Shreyas Iyer returns as Kolkata Knight Riders skipper for IPL 2024

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) declared that Shreyas Iyer would resume his role as the franchise’s captain, with Nitish Rana serving as his deputy on Thursday. Iyer was absent from IPL 2023 due to a back injury that required surgery. In the previous season, KKR had a subpar performance, concluding seventh overall and facing elimination in the group stages under Rana’s leadership.

Heading into the mini-auction on December 19, KKR now possess a budget of Rs 32.7 crore. With 12 slots up for grabs, including four for overseas players in Dubai, KKR has the opportunity to make strategic team additions. Before the auction, reports were suggesting that mentor Gautam Gambhir was supporting Nitish Rana to retain the captaincy role.

Informing about the captaincy regime, KKR CEO Venky Mysore 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. 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.”

Quick Update 👇#IPL2024 @VenkyMysore @ShreyasIyer15 @NitishRana_27 pic.twitter.com/JRBJ5aEHRO

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 14, 2023

Shreyas Iyer praised Nitish Rana for his captaincy skills

After the news, Shreyas acknowledged that the last season posed numerous challenges, notably his absence due to injury. Nitish stepped up admirably, not only filling the void but also showcasing commendable leadership skills. KKR acquired Iyer for Rs 12.25 crore and declared him as the captain.  After leading the team in the previous year, Iyer was sidelined during the 2023 season due to injury. This led to initial uncertainty regarding his ability to captain the team in the upcoming edition.

“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.