On Thursday, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced the recruitment of Johnson Charles as a replacement for Litton Das for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
Litton Das, a Bangladeshi wicketkeeper-batter, had to leave the IPL mid-season due to a family emergency, as confirmed by KKR on April 28, without disclosing any further details.
Despite having played only one game for KKR, Litton Das’ sudden departure was a setback for the team, as he was expected to play a significant role in the tournament. KKR expressed their sympathy and support for the player and his family during this challenging time.
“Litton Das had to return to Bangladesh earlier today (Friday 28 April) due to an urgent family medical emergency. Our wishes go out to him and his family to make it through this difficult time,” KKR confirmed.
The absence of Litton Das from the team meant that Mustafizur Rahman was the only remaining player from Bangladesh in the IPL. Additionally, Shakib Al-Hasan, who was also bought by KKR, had withdrawn from the IPL 2023 earlier.
Johnson Charles roped in for INR 50 Lakh
Having represented West Indies in 41 T20Is, scoring 971 runs, Johnson Charles is a skilled wicketkeeper-batter who has been a part of the West Indies winning squads in the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012 and 2016. With over 5600 runs under his belt in 224 T20 matches, he has been acquired by KKR for INR 50 Lakh.
Stability has been a challenge for KKR
Currently, KKR is languishing in eighth place in the IPL standings, having secured just six points from nine games.
In their upcoming match on May 4, they will be up against SunRisers Hyderabad, a game they cannot afford to lose if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive. KKR has tried out as many as six opening pairs in their quest for a formidable start from their openers.
However, in this crucial match against SunRisers Hyderabad, KKR will miss the services of Umesh Yadav due to a hamstring issue. The team will be hoping that Jason Roy, who missed the last game against Gujarat Titans due to a back niggle, will be available for selection.
Charles, who joins KKR as a replacement for Litton Das, will not be available for the upcoming match as his arrival date has not yet been confirmed.
Also Read: IPL 2023: Masterful Mumbai Indians Dominate Punjab Kings With Batting Blitz
