Gambhir named KKR captain

India batsman Gautam Gambhir was on Monday named captain of Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League season four starting next month.

Announcing Gambhir's appointment as KKR captain, the IPL team described him a thorough professional and praised his leadership qualities.

"We are delighted that Gautam Gambhir will be leading our team. He is a thorough professional and his performance and leadership qualities speak for themselves," KKR CEO & MD Venky Mysore said in a KKR release.

Gambhir said he was looking forward to leading the team in IPL IV.

"It's a pleasure and an honour to lead the KKR team. I believe that the KKR management has put together a terrific team. I am looking forward to the season and feel very optimistic," said Gambhir, who was Delhi Daredevils captain last season.

He was bought by KKR for a record-breaking $2.4 million (Rs 11.04 crore) in the IPL auction held in Bangalore in January.

Along with Gambhir, six members of the KKR squad are currently playing in the World Cup. They are Yusuf Pathan, Jacques Kallis, Brett Lee, Brad Haddin, Ryan ten Doeschate and Shakib al Hasan.