IPL 2024: Shreyas Iyer returns as KKR captain, Nitish Rana named his deputy

Star India batter Shreyas Iyer is all set to make his comeback as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain in the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. The right-handed batter had a back issue which saw him miss the entire 2023 IPL season and the subsequent World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final. However, he made his return to the game during the recently-concluded ICC Cricket World Cup, where he emerged as India's third-leading run scorer with 530 runs. 

In Iyer's absence, Nitish Rana was named the two-time champions' interim captain in the 2023 IPL edition. He will now serve as Iyer's deputy in the much-awaited 17th edition of the lucrative league.

“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," KKR's CEO Venky Mysore said in an official statement released by the franchise. 

"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," he added.

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

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 14, 2023

Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, lavished praise on Nitish Rana for taking over the captaincy in 2023 and expressed his delight after the latter was appointed as the vice-captain.

“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,” said Iyer.

The Shahrukh Khan-owned franchise have had a decent campaign in the previous edition despite failing to reach the playoffs. Their noteworthy performance came against the 2022 champions Gujarat Titans, which was then led by Hardik Pandya. KKR's middle-order batter Rinku Singh (48* off 21) stunned the cricketing world with his final over onslaught and helped his side snatch the win from the jaws of defeat against the Titans.