Two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders have named new signing Shreyas Iyer as captain. Notably, KKR had bought Iyer for INR 12.25 crore during the recently concluded IPL 2022 auction. (More Cricket News)
Iyer had captained Delhi Capitals earlier and took the team to IPL 2020 Finals where they lost to Mumbai Indians by 5 wickets in Dubai. He then missed the first leg of IPL 2021 due to injury and DC handed the captaincy duties to Rishabh Pant and even after Iyer returned in the second leg of IPL 2021 Pant continued to lead the Delhi team.
Iyer was also released by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2022 auction and KKR splurged 12.25 crore to secure his services.
After being named captain of KKR on Wednesday, Iyer said, “I am extremely honored to have had the opportunity to lead such a prestigious team like KKR. The IPL as a tournament brings together the best players from different countries and cultures. and I look forward to leading this great group of very talented individuals.
“I would like to thank the owners, management and support staff of KKR for giving me the opportunity to lead this team and I am confident that we will find the right synergies to achieve the team’s goals.”
🚨 Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, say hello 👋 to the NEW SKIPPER of the #GalaxyOfKnights
অধিনায়ক #ShreyasIyer @ShreyasIyer15 #IPL2022 #KKR #FriendKKR #Cricket pic.twitter.com/veMfzRoPp2
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) February 16, 2022
Meanwhile, KKR CEO Venky Mysore said the team had confidence in Iyer’s abilities as a hitter and as a leader.
“We are first of all delighted to have been able to successfully bid for Shreyas in the IPL auction and to have the opportunity for him to lead #TeamKKR. He has impressed everyone as a quality drummer at most high level and we are confident that he will excel as the leader of #TeamKKR,” Mysore said.
KKR Head Coach Brendon McCullum said: “I am very happy to have one of India’s brightest future leaders in Shreyas Iyer take the helm of KKR. I have enjoyed Shreyas’ game and his captaincy skills from afar and now look forward to working closely with him to drive forward the success and style of play we want at KKR.
