KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight Riders Monday named India's star batsman Gautam Gambhir as its captain for the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting next month.

"We are delighted that Gautam Gambhir will be leading our team," KKR chief executive and managing direct Venky Mysore said in a release.

Mysore termed Gambhir as a "thorough professional" whose performance and leadership qualities speak for themselves.

Gambhir said it was an honour to lead KKR. "It's a pleasure and an honour to lead the KKR team. I am looking forward to the season and feel very optimistic," he said.

KKR purchased Gambhir for a record Rs 11.04 crore in the IPL auction at Bangalore in January.

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