The BCCI’s announcement to conduct the 2nd phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before the T20 World Cup 2021 is set to see a number of overseas players missing the T20 league. The England Cricket Board (ECB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have already confirmed that they won’t allow the players to miss international fixtures while Australia’s Pat Cummins is unlikely to return to the tournament.

The teams with English players on their rosters will be hit hard once the tournament resumes. One such team is Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who will be without the services of their captain, Eoin Morgan.

The World Cup-winning captain had taken over the team’s charge during IPL 2020 and led the team in the first half of IPL 2021. England’s packed schedule will see him miss the 2nd phase of the season.

Morgan’s absence will see the two-time champions having a new skipper for the 2nd phase. With Cummins, Australia’s vice-captain, reportedly pulling out, the chances of the franchise moving back to former skipper Dinesh Karthik are likely. Karthik led KKR in IPL 20218, 2019 and a part of 2020.

Speaking to The Times of India, Karthik has said that he ready and will lead KKR if the need arises.”Pat Cummins has himself said that he will not come. But when it comes to Eoin Morgan, there are still three months to go. A lot can change from now till September. But if I am asked to lead, I will be ready for it,” he said.

KKR struggled during Karthik’s presence at the helm of affairs. The franchise managed to qualify for the second round of IPL 2018 but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier. In 2019, KKR crashed out from the league stage. Karthik stepped down during IPL 2020 after the team won 4 matches. Karthik had first joined KKR for Rs 7.4 crore in IPL 2018 auction.