The much awaited verdict in which John Buchanan had his way is finally out. Shah Rukh Khan owned IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has announced its decision to replace incumbent skipper Sourav Ganguly with New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum. According to some media reports, McCullum will lead the team in the initial matches. KKR will play their first match against Deccan Chargers on April 19. 

 

Ganguly had led the Knight Riders for the last year's IPL 1. But he was miffed after KKR director of cricket operations John Buchanan announced that the Kolkata outfit would have multiple captains in the IPL this season. The decision was reportedly taken in South Africa amidst the multiple-captain theory controversy.

 

In his response, the former Indian captain said that, as professionals he and his team-mates are determined to fulfill their responsibilities towards the team. Reports earlier said that Ganguly was unwilling to carry on as captain of the team and could step down. As far as McCullum is concerned, he had started the first season of the IPL in style by smashing unbeaten 158 off just 73 balls in the first match of the tournament against Bangalore Royal Challengers.