IPL 2020: Dinesh Karthik hands over Kolkata captaincy reins to Eoin Morgan

Wicketkeeper to focus on his batting for remainder of tournament

Dinesh Karthik handed over the captaincy of Kolkata Knight Riders to Eoin Morgan. Sportzpics for BCCI

England's World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan will take over as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders after Dinesh Karthik stood down from the role on Friday.

While Kolkata have done decently so far this IPL, Karthik's struggles with the bat have been apparent. He is averaging just 15.42 after seven matches, while Morgan has scored 175 runs at an average of 35 and a strike-rate of just under 130.

The move was probably expedited by their heavy 82-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore in their previous game in Sharjah.

According to the franchise, Karthik made the decision to focus on his batting for the remainder of the tournament.

Morgan thus becomes only the second England international to captain in the IPL. Kevin Pietersen led Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009 and then Delhi Daredevils in 2014.

Venky Mysore, chief executive officer and managing director of the Knight Riders, said on the team's website: "We are fortunate to have leaders such as DK [Dinesh Karthik], 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.

"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.

"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."

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