Picture Credit: Twitter/@KKRiders
The two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders will now be led by a new skipper in Nitish Rana in the upcoming IPL 2023. The franchise on Monday (March 27) named Rana as their skipper for the 16th edition of the tournament, replacing injured Shreyas Iyer.
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Ahead of Kolkata’s IPL 2023 opener against Punjab Kings, stand-in skipper Nitish Rana visited the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata. The 29-year-old was accompanied by KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit. The two offered prayers and seek blessing at the Kali temple. Pictures of the same have been rounds on social media.
We are hoping Shreyas Iyer will be back very soon: Chandrakant Pandit
KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit remains hopeful on Iyer’s return in the squad for the upcoming edition. While talking to Cricbuzz, Pandit stated, “Whatever little cricket I have played or coached, I have never gone back over things like squad unavailability. Shreyas’ absence will make a difference since he is important, but this is truly unfortunate. We are hoping Shreyas will be back very soon and that will make a lot of difference.”
The head also backed the newly appointed skipper for his new role. “When we select players and give responsibility to players, we see who is capable. And Nitish is capable,” he added.
The Kolkata-based franchise will kick start their IPL 2023 campaign against Punjab Kings on April 1 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.