KOLKATA: With dedicated two hours of daily time bands for VIVO IPL 2018 programming, Star Sports will now offer KKR and VIVO IPL fans a chance to witness Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announcing their new captain live for the first time on television.
Former Team India captain and icon player for KKR in the inaugural season of IPL Sourav Ganguly speaking exclusively on the Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of VIVO IPL has put his faith on Robin Uthappa as a prime captaincy contender for the top job at the Kolkata based franchise.
Fans will be able to watch the entire episode of Knight Club featuring Sourav Ganguly and KKR assistant coach Simon Katich as they talk about the qualities they are seeking in KKR's next captain on Sunday February 25 on Star Sports Hindi 1, Star Sports Hindi HD 1 and Star Sports First at 2200 hours along with the announcement on Sunday, March 4 at 9 2100 hours.
Speaking exclusively on the Knight Club show on Star Sports the former KKR and India captain Sourav Ganguly said, "It is important for KKR to entrust their new captain with the kind of faith and stability they showed in Gautam Gambhir."
"When I look at the current KKR squad, I feel Robin Uthappa is the best player to lead the team. "
"Though the team has experienced campaigners in Dinesh Karthik and Chris Lynn but Uthappa has been with the team for over 4 years now and he's had considerable experience in dealing with the dynamics of the side, not to mention that he's a fan favourite as well. An aggressive batsman himself, he will be the right successor to the legacy that KKR has come to build over the last decade," he said.
Kolkata Knight Riders will also offer their fans to nominate their choices for the captain via fan poll starting tomorrow on their website before Star Sports and KKR answer one question on everybody's minds 'KKR ka Captain Kaun?' on March 4.
Speaking on the qualities KKR is seeking in their next captain, KKR Assistant Coach Simon Katich said,
"While on-field characteristics play an important role, we are also looking at someone who can be a big part of the camp off the field. It is important how the captain goes around and creates a friendly atmosphere in the camp by not always talking cricket and also getting to know the players and their characteristics."
The 11th edition of VIVO IPL starts on April 7 with defending champions Mumbai Indians hosting two-time winners Chennai Super Kings.
Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their VIVO IPL 2018 journey at Eden Gardens against Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday, April 8.
In addition to watching VIVO IPL in Hindi and English, fans will enjoy a deeply local experience by the addition of four regional languages - Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Bengali in this edition of VIVO IPL 2018.