Indian Premier League

Kevin Pietersen named Royal Challengers captain

Bangalore Royal Challengers owner Vijay Mallya on Saturday announced that England batsman Kevin Pietersen would replace Rahul Dravid as captain for the second season of the IPL.

“I am pleased to announce that the captain of Bangalore Royal Challengers will be Kevin Pietersen,” Mallya said at a press conference on Saturday. “Jacques Kallis will take over as captain after Kevin returns to England.”

Pietersen would have to return for England’s Test series against West Indies in mid-May. “Kevin’s travel schedule is being finalised. He will come in time to captain and perform for the team,” he added.

Mallya said that Dravid, who was captain in the last season where Bangalore finished seventh in the competition, was supportive of the decision. He is also Bangalore’s icon player. “Rahul Dravid has not only participated in this decision but is also supportive of it,” he said.

He added that Dravid might not be available for the IPL as well with his wife expecting a child. “There is uncertainty surrounding Rahul’s availability because his wife is expecting a child,” he said. “How can you predict when a baby comes? That is the reason we chose two players who are certain. Rahul is very relaxed about not being the captain. Plus if he’s unavailable then it won’t make any difference. It was a practical decision.”

Mallya was left fuming after Bangalore’s performance last season, which prompted him to sack Charu Sharma, who was the CEO of the franchise. Mallya had blamed him for picking players who resembled a ‘Test side’.

“My team was called a Test side last time,” he said. “But this time we’re a pretty good Twenty20 side. We have signed in a lot of youngsters. My side cannot be called a Test side any more. We have a pretty strong bowling line-up. The batting has been week but with Kevin, Robin Uthappa and Jesse Ryder coming in, it will make our batting line-up strong as well.”

Tags: Bangalore Royal Challengers, IPL, Kevin Peitersen, Vijay Mallya