Star Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer will make his comeback as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Iyer missed the entire 2023 IPL and the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final due to a back injury.

However, he bounced back in style during the recent ICC Cricket World Cup, where he emerged as India’s third-highest run-scorer with 530 runs. Nitish Rana, who led KKR in Iyer’s absence, will now serve as his deputy in the 17th edition of the IPL. KKR’s CEO Venky Mysore expressed his delight at Iyer’s return and praised Rana’s leadership role.

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“It was unfortunate that Shreyas missed IPL 2023 due to injury. We are delighted that he’s back and at the helm as Captain. The way he has worked hard to recover from his injury and the form he has displayed is a testament to his character,” Venky Mysore said.

Quick Update 👇#IPL2024 @VenkyMysore @ShreyasIyer15 @NitishRana_27 pic.twitter.com/JRBJ5aEHRO

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 14, 2023

Iyer, in turn, lauded Rana for taking over the captaincy in 2023 and welcomed his appointment as vice-captain. “I believe the last season presented us with several challenges, including my absence due to injury. Nitish did a great job not only filling in for me but also with his commendable leadership. I am delighted that KKR has named him Vice Captain. No doubt it will strengthen the leadership group,” Shreyas Iyer said.

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KKR had a decent campaign in the previous edition despite their failure to reach the playoffs. Their standout performance came against the Gujarat Titans, where Rinku Singh’s last-over blitzkrieg helped them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. With Iyer back at the helm and Rana supporting him, KKR will be looking to make a strong run in the upcoming IPL season.