IPL 2020: Dinesh Karthik to continue as Kolkata Knight Riders skipper

Kolkata Knight Riders have confirmed that Dinesh Karthik will lead them in IPL 2020. The head coach, Brendon McCullum said that he is their best choice to lead the team next year. The team’s mentor, Abhishek Nayar mentioned that the 2019 World Cup-winning captain and KKR’s newest signing, Eoin Morgan will be an important member of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ leadership group, however, Karthik still will lead the side.

Dinesh Karthik had joined the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in IPL 2018. The team management elected him as their new skipper after Gautam Gambhir‘s departure. He inspired his team to the playoffs in the eleventh IPL season but, KKR could not qualify for the IPL playoffs in IPL 2019. Hence, the fans felt that Kolkata may hunt for a new captain in IPL Auction 2020.

‘Dinesh Karthik is definitely our captain’: Brendon McCullum 

During the first round break of the auction, the coaches and representatives of the IPL teams took part in interviews. KKR coach Brendon McCullum pointed out that Dinesh Karthik will remain the team’s captain. When asked about the leadership of his team, McCullum said, “Dinesh Karthik is definitely our captain.”

Abhishek Nayar chatted with the official broadcasters, Star Sports in the middle and he was asked the same question as well. He told the hosts: “Morgan’s recent form has been tremendous. As a part of the leadership group, he will add a lot of strength and power to what we already have in our squad.”

Eoin Morgan has received a lot of appreciation from the cricket experts for his captaincy skills. The Englishman had led England to their first-ever World Cup win earlier this year after crashing out in the first round of the 2015 World Cup. Hence, the fans expected him to be elected as the new skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders.

Dinesh Karthik, on the other hand, has struggled to keep his place in the Indian team. He had been overlooked in favour of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. However, he will look to make his way back to the national side by performing well for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020. Kolkata made history in the IPL 2020 Auction by signing Pat Cummins for a record amount of 15.50 Crores.