I don't think there is anything new, not going to take extra pressure just because of captaincy tag: Nitish Rana

Kolkata Knight Riders named star batter Nitish Rana as their new skipper on March 27 as the franchise looked to move on from their leadership issue. Rana's appointment as a new captain came as a bit of a surprise for the fans as the player lacks leadership experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL). But Rana has revealed that he is ready to take extra responsibility and shrugged off captaincy-tag pressure on March 28.

The 29-year-old batter captained Delhi in the last Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where they won eight of 12 games. But leading one of the biggest IPL teams is likely to add challenges for Rana. In the official press conference on Tuesday, March 28, Rana thrashed all the talks regarding extra pressure. He said that he will not take additional pressure due to the captaincy tag and added that he loves taking responsibilities.

"It (leadership) is not new for me, for the last 2-3 years I have been part of the leadership group. I have got the captaincy tag this time. For the last 2-3 years, I have been part of the leadership role and I am not going to take extra pressure just because of the tag. It's not good for my game also. I don't think there is anything new. I love taking responsibility," Rana said on March 28.

"After 10 days also, there will be pressure. Captaincy is a tag. Whenever you do something for the first time in life, there will be a bit of pressure. As a batter, I have played more than 100 games. A player will be scared of getting out in the first few deliveries," Rana added.

I don't prefer following anyone: Nitish Rana

Rana has been part of the Knight Riders for the last five editions and has played under the leadership of several players, including Dinesh Karthik and Shreyas Iyer. When asked about his idol captain, Rana said that he will lead the team in his own style and assured that his team will bring the right results in IPL 2023.

"There is a responsibility and I like taking responsibility. Shreyas Iyer had an unfortunate injury, we all know that. It's very unfortunate, and we got the news of not having such a senior and main player at the last moment. But if you keep it aside, the team looks good. And I think the direction that we are taking with this team, I think it will bring the right results."

"I don't prefer following anyone (idol) like that. I want to do it in my style because if I try and follow someone in terms of captaincy, I will lose myself, and my individuality. I want to captain in my way and take the team ahead in my own style," Rana concluded

Kolkata Knight Riders finished in the seventh position in the IPL points table last season with just six wins. Rana struggled throughout the season with just 361 runs from 14 innings with just two 50-plus knocks. Rana's captaincy will be tested on April 1 in KKR's opening game against Punjab Kings in Mohali.