Dinesh Karthik, Kolkata Knight Riders, Skipper, Virat Kohli, Team India
Dinesh Karthik is the new face of KKR after Gautam Gambhir. Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik is announced as the skipper of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

On the other side, Riders’ gloveman Robin Uthappa was also in the race of leading the team.

However, attacking batsman Uthappa to serve as the Vice-captain of Knight Riders.

Dinesh Karthik, Kolkata Knight Riders, Skipper, Virat Kohli, Team India
Gautam Gambhir will represent his old-franchise Delhi Daredevils. Photo Credit: BCCI.

Earlier, under the tutelage of Gautam Gambhir, KKR lifted the IPL title in 2012 and 2014, respectively. However, the spot was left vacant when Kolkata-based franchise did not pick the senior campaigner.

Pertinently, Chris Lynn, who had already been ruled out due to injury, was another possible candidate for the captaincy post.

Dinesh Karthik to follow footsteps of Kohli:

Dinesh Karthik, Kolkata Knight Riders, Skipper, Virat Kohli, Team India
CEO Venky Mysore for KKR with Dinesh Karthik. Photo Credit: KKR.

The right-handed batsman Karthik has set his horizon to perform as Virat Kohli as a team leader.

“Virat is a captain who leads by his action. He is somebody who shows with his performance and that is something that I can try and emulate,” Karthik was quoted as saying by IANS.

Apart from expressing his wish, Karthik had led his state-side Tamil Nadu in 2009-10. Under his captaincy, Tamil Nadu lifted the Vijay Hazare Trophy and went on to clinch the Duleep Trophy for India Red as well.

Karthik is aiming to score a bulk of runs for his team while banking on his strength.

“[to lead] lead by example rather than speaking, go on the ground and show with the scores or the way I play etc,” Karthik maintained.

Dinesh Karthik, Kolkata Knight Riders, Skipper, Virat Kohli, Team India
Dinesh Karthik represents India in 79 ODIs, 23 Tests and 14 T20Is, played 228 T20s. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

The 32-year old Karthik played for Gujarat Lions in the tenth edition under the leadership of Suresh Raina. Knight Riders snapped Karthik in INR 7.4 crore, in January.

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Moreover, Karthik is excited to lead his side while believing the blend of experience and youth will yield desired results.

Karthik had represented Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in the past.

In overall 152 matches across ten seasons, Karthik amassed 2,903 runs at an average of 24.91. He also registered 14 fifties.

Behind the stumps, Karthik affected 26 stumps and claimed 88 catches since 2008.

Here’s the newsfeed:

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Tahir Ibn Manzoor is the Editor-In-Chief at Cricket Addictor, who follows cricket like food and he has a great affection for the long-form journalism. He has been associated with the organisation since...