Massive blow for KKR as overseas star Litton Das returns home from IPL 2023

Litton Das played one game for KKR in IPL 2023 against DC and scored four runs.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been dealt a massive blow as their Bangladeshi cricketer Litton Das has returned home from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) due to a family emergency. The franchise communicated this news via a media release today, Friday, April 28, 2023.

The wicketkeeper-batter is unlikely to participate in the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. That's because the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) only issued him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) until May 4, as Bangladesh will be preparing for the Ireland tour.

The 28-year-old was bought by KKR for Rs 50 lakh in the IPL 2023 auction. He joined the KKR camp late due to the fact that he was named in the Bangladesh squad for both ODIs and Test matches during the Ireland tour of Bangladesh.

KKR confirm that Litton Das returned home from IPL 2023

Litton had made his belated KKR debut against Delhi Capitals and managed only four runs in the match before getting out to Ishant Sharma. He was criticized after two mistakes behind the stumps that game.

In a statement, KKR said: “Litton Das had to return to Bangladesh earlier today (Friday 28 April) due to an urgent family medical emergency. Our wishes go out to him and his family to make it through this difficult time.”

Apart from Litton, KKR had also signed Shakib Al Hasan, but the Bangladeshi captain pulled out of the cash-rich league by mutual consent, having missed a number of games due to international commitments. KKR then signed Jason Roy as his replacement.

As Jason Roy came in for Shakib and KKR included him in the playing XI with Narayan Jagadeesan keeping wickets, Litton didn’t get a game afterwards.

Liton was set to join the Bangladesh team in England for the ODI Super League matches against Ireland but had to return to the country due to a family emergency.

KKR is currently placed seventh with three wins in seven games. They must win a majority of their seven group-stage games to ensure a spot in the playoffs. The two-time champions will next lock horns with GT at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, April 29.