Johnson Charles joins Kolkata Knight Riders as Litton Das alternative
Two-time T20 World Cup champion Johnson Charles has joined Kolkata Knight Riders for the rest of IPL 2023 as a alternative participant for Litton Das.
Charles, a member of the West Indies staff that was topped champions in 2012 and 2016, brings with him in depth expertise on the prime of the batting order. He has opened in 179 of his 219 T20 innings, averaging 25.47 and placing at 125.72. He is, nonetheless, solely simply reacquainting himself with worldwide cricket.
Charles spent six years out of the West Indies set up, returning in October 2022 and taking part in seven T20Is since. He made a 39-ball century towards South Africa in March. This would be the 34 year-old’s first stint within the IPL, having beforehand been a part of franchise leagues within the Caribbean, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
Litton had left the Knight Riders camp earlier this month to take care of a medical emergency in his household. He performed just one recreation in IPL 2023 having been purchased for INR 50 lakh (approx USD 60,000) on the public sale in December final 12 months. Litton had additionally been known as up to play for Bangladesh in an ODI collection towards Ireland beginning subsequent week. He would have missed three of the Knight Riders’ 4 remaining matches as they proceed to struggle for a spot within the playoffs.
KKR have been struggling for stability on the prime this season, having gone via six opening combos in 9 video games. Their first wicket partnership averages 21.33 – solely Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals fare worse – and has crossed fifty simply as soon as.
Charles, introduced in for INR 50 lakh (approx USD 60,000), does have some expertise batting within the center order as properly. He’s hit two of his three T20 centuries from Nos. 3 and 4, which can turn out to be useful given KKR have two different gamers who current a sexy bundle as opening batters.
Knight Riders, at the moment eighth on the factors desk, face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday and have matches scheduled with Punjab Kings (May 8), Rajasthan Royals (May 11), Chennai Super Kings (May 14) and Lucknow Super Giants (May 20).