Eoin Morgan has taken over from Dinesh Karthik as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Karthik has come under pressure due to the inconsistent form of KKR so far during IPL 2020.
However, despite currently sitting fourth in the IPL table, they have lost three of their opening seven matches. Indian batsman Karthik is also averaging just 15.42 in that time.
He has now handed over the role to England’s World Cup-winning skipper.
Kolkata CEO and MD Venky Mysore said: “DK and Eoin have worked brilliantly together during this tournament and although Eoin takes over as captain, this is effectively a role swap and we expect that this transition will work in a seamless manner.”
Morgan starts his leadership of the two-time IPL winner when they face Mumbai on October 16.
A statement from KKR said that Karthik chose to give Morgan the captaincy so he could focus on his batting.
“We are fortunate to have leaders such as DK, who has always put the team first.
“It takes a lot of courage for someone like him to take a decision such as this. While we were surprised by his decision, we are respectful of his wishes,” added Mysore.
“We are also fortunate that Eoin Morgan, the 2019 World Cup-winning captain, who has been the vice-captain, is willing to lead the side going forward.”
Morgan Follows Pietersen
Morgan has become just the second England international to captain a team in the IPL.
He follows Kevin Pietersen to get the honour. KP led Royal Challengers Bangalore back in 2009 before being given charge of the Delhi Daredevils in 2014.
While the mid-season change of captaincy might come as a surprise, it's not the first time such a switch has happened in the IPL.
Just last season, Rajasthan Royals replaced Ajinkya Rahane with Steve Smith after the group phase. Even this year, Sunrisers Hyderabad switched from Kane Williamson to David Warner before the tournament began.
Morgan has previously backed Karthik's captaincy and how even he was learning from his leadership.
“It’s been brilliant to work with DK,” he told Sportstar. “I have learnt a lot so far working with him and I hope that continues.
“It is very early on in our campaign but we think along the same lines when it comes to strategy and game plan, which is great. We are still getting to know the best formula to win games and explore different areas. If I can offer things along the way, I will try and do that.”
