IPL 2018: Kolkata Knight Riders unveil new jersey
Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders unveiled their new jersey for the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) during an event held in Kolkata on April 1. Nokia, the principal sponsors of the franchise until 2014 (the last time KKR won the title), marked their return as the primary brand, with the logo emblazoned on the chest of the uniform.
Dinesh Karthik, who replaced the Delhi-returned Gautam Gambhir as the captain of the new-look side, presented the new jersey to the crowd in the company of his colleagues, along with coach Jacques Kallis.
Although owner Shah Rukh Khan was not present at the event, CEO Venky Mysore accompanied the players. Karthik, along with Uthappa, Andre Russell, Kallis and Kuldeep Yadav then spoke to the media.
Speaking about the unavailability of Mitchell Starc, whose official replacement will be named on April 2, Venky said: "It's funny how injuries are beyond anybody's control. Sunrisers are feeling something, Mumbai lost a player, Bangalore lost a player so this is what you plan for sometimes".
"You hope that it doesn't happen but you are ready. So it's not about big names to be honest," he said.
"In 2012, nobody had even heard of Sunil Narine. He came and took IPL by storm. So something like that could happen and I always feel in every adversity there is an opportunity. So there may be someone who can come and surprise us. We are disappointed but not that much," he added.
Speaking on Gautam Gambhir's departure, under whose leadership the franchise won two titles, Karthik said: “Being a leader of the team, the management will expect from me the same. I’m aware of the expectations. Yes, there would be pressure. As a captain, you’re expected to at least go to the playoffs, that’s the least anybody can expect. I think I’m at a stage where I can handle it and get the best out of the team".
KKR's first game of the tournament is against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 8, a day after the 2018 edition gets underway.
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