Dinesh Karthik Steps Down As KKR Captain Midway Through IPL, Morgan In Hot Seat

Picture courtesy www.crictracker.com

Dubai: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will have a new captain for the remainder of IPL-13 after Dinesh Karthik stepped down from the hot seat on Friday. England’s World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan will take charge of the two-time champions.

Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik has stated that he would look to focus more on his batting.

Midway through the tournament, KKR are placed fourth on the table with four wins in seven matches. They will take on defending champions Mumbai Indians on Friday evening.

“We are fortunate to have leaders such as DK, who has always put the team first. It takes a lot of courage for someone like him to take a decision such as this. While we were surprised by his decision, we are respectful of his wishes,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore said.

“We are also fortunate that Eoin Morgan, who has been the vice-captain, is willing to lead the side going forward. DK and Eoin have worked brilliantly together during this tournament and although Eoin takes over as captain, this is effectively a role swap and we expect that this transition will work in a seamless manner,” Mysore added.