Gautam Gambhir Asks For Change In KKR's Captaincy, Backs Shubman Gill

Former India opener and Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) captain Gautam Gambhir has asked for a change in captaincy. He picked a surprising name for the top job and backed Shubman Gill. In a recent talk on Star Sports’ Game Plan: Vivo IPL auction, Gambhir said that he would go with Shubman Gill as captain.

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“For me, there are not many captaincy options in this team. I will go with Shubman Gill. I will go with a youngster. Dinesh Karthik will have the baggage of two years. He did not perform as per expectations.  Go with Shubman Gill, a new young face. He might give new thinking and results,” Gambhir said.

Gambhir’s choice does come as a surprise but going ahead, Gill seems to be an option. He was the vice-captain of India U-19 team that won the tournament in 2018 and has also led his state team, Punjab. The 20-year-old recently captained India C in the Deodhar Trophy. Both Gill and Karthik had joined KKR in IPL 2018 auction.

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Starting from Karthik, he was bought by the franchise for Rs 7.4 Crore. He was a surprising pick for the captaincy post as many expected Robin Uthappa to lead the team – Uthappa was named his deputy. KKR made it to the playoffs in IPL 2018 but failed to qualify for the second round in IPL 2019.

The franchise released Uthappa ahead of IPL 2020 auction but retained Karthik, clearly hinting that there will be no change in captaincy. Under Karthik, KKR have won 15 and lost 14 out of 30 matches.

Talking of Gill, he was bought by the franchise for R 1.8 Crore. In 27 matches so far, he has scored 499 runs at 33.26. Gill might be elevated to the vice-captaincy post with an eye on the future but for now, the franchise will back Karthik.

Going into the IPL 2020 auction, KKR have to work on few areas. They have to buy a replacement for opener Chris Lynn, who was surprisingly released. KKR also need a leg-spinner to back Kuldeep Yadav. They also lack quality pacers and will need to add 2-3 pacers in the auction.

KKR have a new coaching staff for the next season. Former KKR opener Brendon McCullum was appointed the head coach. He will be assisted by Kyle Mills and David Hussey.