October 17, 2020 12:06:34 pm
Dinesh Karthik along with Eoin Morgan. (Source: IPL)
Hours before his match against the Mumbai Indians, Dinesh Karthik Low as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, handing over the reins to Eoin Morgan. A system with a strong football-style coach and a relatively low-profile captain has apparently not worked for the franchise.
Why did Dinesh Karthik resign?
According to the KKR press release, Karthik did so “with a view to focusing on his hitting and contributing more to the team’s cause.” The ‘goalie-batter had scored 108 runs in seven games, with half a century this season (112 of eight after Friday’s hit).
Why Eoin Morgan?
Morgan led England to their first World Cup win last year. He was a natural successor and vice captain of the team. He is also the second to get the most runs from the team after Shubman Gill. In an interview with the host broadcaster before Friday’s game, Morgan spoke about the “shock” the team had, as Karthik took the team in confidence the night before.
Read also | Dinesh Karthik Leaves KKR Captaincy Incredibly Disinterested, Says Eoin Morgan
Why did KKR continue with Karthik as their captain after finishing fifth last period?
KKR marked a change in its coaching staff. Brendon McCullum replaced Jacques Kallis as head coach. “This time we wanted a different profile, someone who would bring fresh ideas and new energy. We are the youngest team in the IPL. We wanted someone who had proven leadership skills, able to work with young players and manage diversity, “Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore told this newspaper after the appointment was made last year. Clearly, the franchise wanted to put McCullum right at the top of its leadership pyramid.
Is a setup with a high-profile head coach and a low-key captain the flavor of the season?
Up to a point, yes. The Kings XI Punjab have Anil Kumble as head coach and a relatively low-profile KL Rahul as captain. The Delhi Capitals have Ricky Ponting as their head coach, who is the mentor to a relatively young and low-key captain in Shreyas Iyer. The results, however, have been different. While DC is sitting pretty with 12 points from eight games, KXIP is at the bottom of the table; four points from eight games. KKR has had a mixed season; eight points from so many games.
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Was Karthik under pressure?
Some outside voices had called for Karthik’s removal as captain. “I honestly feel that @ Eoin16 should lead the team, (surly no * dk kolaimandaaaiii) The World Cup winning captain should surly lead the ipl side. Hope #kkr looks at this issue and wins. they need a leader who leads from the front like Rohit, Dhoni or Virat… what a player, ”tweeted fast pitcher Sreesanth after KKR’s loss to DC. KKR’s batting order – Karthik ahead of Morgan, Andre Russell batting too late, etc. – has been questioned by both fans and experts.
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Was Karthik a popular captain?
Last year, Andre Russell, the team’s x-factor, publicly criticized decision-making on the field. “We have a good team, but if you make bad decisions, you will always lose games and that is what we have been doing,” Russell had said. He was not happy with his batting position. Things hardly changed in the first seven games of this period. Only twice did the Jamaican rise in the order: at No. 4 against Rajasthan Royals and DC.
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