IPL 2018: Sourav Ganguly identifies player to captain Kolkata Knight Riders
What’s the story?
Former Indian captain and current CAB president Sourav Ganguly has given his choice of the player he thinks should captain Kolkata Knight Riders this season.
According to Ganguly, Robin Uthappa is the best person to lead the side owing to his experience and his involvement with the franchise for a long time.
Ganguly also said that although Dinesh Karthik could also be considered to captain the side, the fact that he just got into the team works against his case.
The details
The name of Australian batsman Chris Lynn was doing the rounds and he was considered a hot favourite to get the job, but according to Ganguly, Lynn is too injury prone and it the move will be fraught with risk.
It has to be mentioned here that Lynn is undergoing treatment owing to a dislocated shoulder and has skipped the ongoing Pakistan Super League.
On the other hand, Uthappa has expressed his keenness to lead KKR.
“I’ll be honoured if the opportunity came along but it’s for the think-tank to decide - whatever role they want me to take, I’ll give my 110%. Adding value to my team as a cricketer is crucial to my game,” he was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
In case you didn’t know…
KKR is one the few teams which is grappling to appoint a captain and the names of Uthappa, Karthik, and Lynn are the favourites to be roped in.
Also, it was a strange auction by the two-times IPL champions as with its 19-man pool, it has the smallest bench strength this season.
What’s next?
If recent developments are anything to go by, Robin Uthappa might well be the leader of the side since the franchise would not want to risk their chances by appointing Chris Lynn, especially after his recent injury concern.
Author’s take
Appointing an Indian captain has always been the preferred choice for franchises over the years and this injury to Lynn might well prove to be a blessing in disguise for KKR as their hand is forced to some extent.