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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Shah Rukh Khan watches KKR crash to defeat
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Shah Rukh Khan and Jay Mehta, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, during the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Aryan Khan, son of Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, saw his team lose heavily to Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Shah Rukh Khan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Shah Rukh Khan cheers the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Aryan Khan during the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Aryan Khan has accompanied his father during IPL 2020 in the UAE. Sportzpics for BCCI -
AB de Villiers of Royal Challengers Bangalore top-scored with 73. Sportzpics for BCCI -
Tom Banton of Kolkata Knight Riders is bowled by Navdeep Saini in Sharjah. Sportzpics for BCCI -
AB de Villiers and Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli added 100 runs in Sharjah on Monday. Sportzpics for BCCI
