Nitish Rana, the left-handed batter of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is ready to lead the team again if required, despite the return of first-choice skipper Shreyas Iyer. Rana, who was appointed captain last year due to Iyer’s unavailability, hopes that Iyer remains fit throughout the season.
“Shreyas is back with the team and is quite fit. Of course, he had fitness issues in the past, and we cannot take anything for granted. I hope I do not have to take up this responsibility again, as we are hoping Shreyas leads in all the matches,” Rana said.
However, Rana is prepared to step into the captain’s role if necessary. “If a situation arises where I have to wear the captain’s band again, I am ready for it. I was made the captain last year, and that was the biggest thing for me. Although we did not achieve everything we wanted, yet it was the greatest experience for me,” he added.
Despite last year’s disappointing performance under his captaincy, Rana believes the team has a positive mindset this season. “This time, our team is very positive, and you can feel it in the dressing room. There is a determination to win, which wasn’t so strong last year. Everyone is thinking about the trophy,” he said.
KKR has invested heavily in Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, who is expected to bolster the team’s bowling attack. Rana believes Starc’s experience will be invaluable. “Starc is too experienced to let the price tag affect him. We had been missing a death bowler, and he has filled up that spot. He knows what needs to be done. In fact, I feel he will be one of our main performers this time,” Rana said.
While Starc will be a key player, Rana also highlighted the potential of KKR’s young pacers. “Last year, all our three young pacers (Chetan Sakariya, Vaibhav Arora, and Harshit Rana) did well in bits and pieces, and we expect them to do the same this time. This is a chance for them to learn from Starc,” he said.
Rana also expressed his desire to be selected for the upcoming World T20 squad. “Everyone wants to play for the country, and many players will have it in the back of their mind, but we have to stay in the present. I too want to get selected for the World T20 squad, but at this moment, I am thinking only about the IPL. I believe I can get 600 runs in this tournament, and I will be aiming for that,” he said.
