IPL 2023: KKR Announce New Captain

image-lfqrw3quIPL 2023: The southpaw will lead KKR in Shreyas' absence (iplt20.com)

In a major development, the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders have announced their captain for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023). The stylish left-handed batter, Nitish Rana, will be the man in command as an injured Shreyas Iyer's replacement.

Rana migrated to Kolkata from Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2018. Meanwhile, he has been an integral part of KKR's core in the recent few seasons.

"Kolkata Knight Riders today announced that Nitish Rana would captain the side in the absence of Shreyas lyer, who is recovering from a back injury," the franchise said through their statement.

The Statement further read - "While we are hopeful that Shreyas will recover and participate at some stage in the IPL 2023 edition, we feel fortunate that Nitish, with the captaincy experience having led his state side in white ball cricket and the IPL experience he has had with KKR since 2018, will do a great job. We are also confident that under Head Coach Chandrakant Pandit and the support staff, he will get all the support needed off the field, and the highly experienced leaders in the squad will provide all support that Nitish may need on the field."

"We wish him the best in his new role and Shreyas a full and speedy recovery"- the official statement by KKR concluded.

Nitish Rana's career in KKR

Nitish Rana has been a part of the KKR set up since 2018. After spending the initial two years of his IPL career, Rana was bought by KKR INR 3.40 Cr in the auction ahead of IPL 2018. 

Since then Rana has played 74 matches for the team and has scored 1744 runs in them at an average of 27.68 and a strike rate of 135.61. He also has seven wickets to her name in the KKR jersey. 

Nitish Rana has long been a part of the KKR dressing room and is well acquainted with dug out culture and team ethics. He was the best available option for the role. 

KKR will be starting their journey in IPL 2023 under the leadership of Nitish Rana against Punjab Kings on 1st April, 2023.