IPL 2020: Irfan Pathan and Aakash Chopra not happy with Eoin Morgan taking over KKR captaincy

England’s World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan has been named the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper with immediate effect in the ongoing 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020). Morgan will essay the role of leader for the Knight Riders with a match against Mumbai Indians on October 16. Dinesh Karthik stepped down as the captain of the side mid-season after the team was standing at the fourth position in the points tally with four wins in seven games.

The official website of KKR confirmed the news of Morgan taking the captaincy reins from Karthik half-way in the league. The website stated that Dinesh Karthik himself decided to hand over the captain duties to the England skipper as he wants to concentrate more on his batting and keeping.

Karthik was under the scanner since the beginning of the tournament for his tactical decisions and the rotation of the bowlers. However, the Indian Stalwart had made a strong comeback by improvising against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to emerge victorious. He had also played a Man of the Match innings in the next match against Kings XI Punjab (58 off 29) to take his team to their second consecutive victory.

Former Indian cricketers slam KKR for making a change in the captaincy mid-season

Thus, the sudden decision of switching the captain came as a shocker for many. Many veteran cricketers, analysts, and pundits opined over the decision of handing over the reins to Eoin Morgan via Twitter. Though the fans were delighted by this news, the franchise received flak from former Indian cricketers including the likes of Aakash Chopra and Irfan Pathan for making this change in the middle.

The former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra didn’t seem very happy with the decision as he feels that Morgan’s batting has been below average in the tournament and the captaincy will add more pressure on the England star. Veteran pacer Irfan Pathan is also of a similar view as he believes that making a change in the middle of the tournament is never a good option for an individual or a team.

“They have a game tonight. And while it’s their decision to make, Morgan’s batting form has left a lot to be desired in #IPL2020 There’s another team in the competition that’s struggling with their overseas captain’s form.”

They have a game tonight. And while it’s their decision to make, Morgan’s batting form has left a lot to be desired in #IPL2020 There’s another team in the competition that’s struggling with their overseas captain’s form. https://t.co/GiQOvH7nJo

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 16, 2020

“Mid season change in Captaincy is never a comfortable situation for the team members. Hope #kkr doesn’t go astray from here. They are very much in the race for the playoffs! #DineshKarthik #Eoinmorgan”

Mid season change in Captaincy is never a comfortable situation for the team members. Hope #kkr doesn't go astray from here. They are very much in the race for the playoffs! #DineshKarthik #Eoinmorgan

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 16, 2020