When Kolkata Knight Riders decided to part ways with former captain Gautam Gambhir in 2017, the biggest question mark was who would lead the franchise. It had to be a new beginning with someone to take the franchise to a new phase.
Gambhir’s were huge, as he had been a leader who had taken KKR to the zenith of the IPL, leading an underperforming team to two titles. He was also one of their most prolific hitters. So finding a replacement was difficult. Many thought that KKR could go for an international player, with previous leadership experience.
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But the team surprised everyone by choosing batter Dinesh Karthik as their leader. Karthik’s IPL career prior to joining KKR had been that of an officer. Stints with Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions proved it had been around for a long time, but it was never installed on a team.
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So the election was a big surprise. But DK, he had changed. The DK that took the reins of KKR was a mature individual, who knew his game inside and out. He was also knocking on the doors of the national team with his performances and when he led the KKR to the play-offs in 2018, all these doubts were cleared.
But 2019 turned out to be a completely different ball game. Reports of a break-up with off-roader Andre Russell and the team’s inability to make the play-offs meant KKR and DK have their homework cut short for next season. But head coach Brendon McCullum isn’t worried. He believes that Karthik is at a point in his leadership where he is ready to mature.
“The team hasn’t gotten over the line, but I think DK is at that stage in his leadership where he’s almost ready to really mature and really take ownership of the Knight Riders setup and support his judgment,” McCullum told kkr . .in.
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He also talked about Karthik’s skills as a wicket-keeper hitter and how he ranks among the best.
: Well, quite a few things. You have to divide DK a bit into different parts to understand this. I think first and foremost, wicketkeeping. He is among the best goalkeepers in India. Then you move on to his hitting and he’s so good and adaptable in any role.
“Maybe it doesn’t come with the stardom that some guys have and that’s just DK’s personality. But he’s a huge star within the KKR franchise, he’s been in command for a couple of years now and he’s had some success, “added McCullum.
KKR has bought England captain Eoin Morgan at auction and the southpaw will return to his old franchise. McCullum said the team is looking to build a layer of leadership around Karthik with older players that would help Karthik better lead the team.
“What we tried to do throughout the auction process was also give him strong leadership in the field. Obviously we already have people like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, but having added Pat Cummins and Eoin Morgan in particular to that leadership group, and also providing some support staff behind the scenes that can help DK for good.
“I think there will be a good layer of leadership around DK where he can really thrive and touch every member of the Kolkata lineup to try to bring out their best,” added the former KKR starter.
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