IPL 2018: Dinesh Karthik wants to lead KKR the way Virat Kohli leads India

One of the most talked about elements of the 2018 IPL auctions was Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to not retain their finest captain and most consistent batsman Gautam Gambhir, who led them to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 respectively. However, reports later suggested that the cricketer had himself asked the KKR management to not retain him, as he wished to play for his home side, the Delhi Daredevils, which was the eventual case in the auctions.

Ever since there was quite a lot of buzz surrounding who would succeed Gambhir as the leader of the franchise from the eastern part of the country. Robin Uthappa, due to his long association with the Knights, was being seen by many as the frontrunner for the position. But it was Tamil Nadu and India wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik who was appointed the skipper on Sunday morning, while Uthappa was appointed as his deputy.

Karthik, who has captained Tamil Nadu too in the Ranji Trophy, wishes to captain KKR as responsibly as Virat Kohli does for India. Speaking to the media after being elected as the captain of the Knights, Karthik said that he would like to lead by his actions, just like his skipper in the Indian team does.

“Virat is a captain who leads by his action. He is somebody who shows with his performance and that is something that I can try and emulate — lead by example rather than speaking, go on the ground and show with the scores or the way I play etc,” Karthik told PTI.

Not aggressive by nature

Dinesh Karthik also elaborated on his aggression, saying that he might not wear his emotions on his sleeves, but is definitely an aggressive captain inside his head.

“In terms of being aggressive captain, I am not aggressive outwardly by nature, but that does not mean I am not aggressive inside. While playing a game, I am one of those guys who don t even speak to the opponents, before the game or in the lead up to the game, these are some of the qualities which I have and these are the ways I show aggression,” Karthik concluded.

IPL 11 begins on April 7, and KKR will play their first game on April 8 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens.

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