Kolkata sign Charles as Litton's replacement for IPL 2023

Kolkata Knight Riders have announced Johnson Charles as Litton Das’ replacement for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2023. The wicketkeeper-batter from Bangladesh had to fly back home last week due to a family emergency.

Litton has now been named in Bangladesh's 14-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Ireland in Chelmsford (May 9-14). As a result, he would have missed at least three games. 

Litton featured in only one game this season, scoring four runs against Delhi Capitals. He didn’t look comfortable behind the stumps and was replaced with N Jagadeesan in the very next game.

Charles, 34, has been in good form of late. The right-handed batter from West Indies smoked 118 off 46 against South Africa in March. In his innings, Charles smacked 10 fours and 11 maximums. In 12 T20s this year, Charles has scored 454 runs at an average of 50.44 and a strike rate of 166.9.

Overall, he has 5607 runs in 224 T20s at an average of 26.70 and a strike rate of 130.72.  If needed, he can also keep wickets. However, with Jason Roy and Rahmanullah Gurbaz in good form, Charles might have to wait for his opportunity.

The 34-year-old from St Lucia has played all around the globe but is yet to feature in the IPL. He joins the franchise for INR 50 Lakh. 

Kolkata have lost six of their nine encounters this season and are currently placed eighth on the points table. They are next scheduled to play Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday (May 4).