IPL 2023: Who is Johnson Charles? Learn all about KKR's replacement for Litton Das

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Johnson Charles on Thursday was named as the replacement for Litton Das by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of a crucial encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023. The West Indies wicketkeeper batter fits into KKR's scheme of things or not is something that remains to be seen.

Litton Das, who was bought at a base price of Rs 50 lakh at the IPL Auction 2023, played all but one game during the ongoing season. Opening the innings against Delhi Capitals on a tricky surface, the Bangladeshi opener flopped with the bat while his wicket-keeping against quality KKR spin bowling left a lot to be desired as his reflex came into question.

Who is Johnson Charles?

Johnson Charles went unsold at his base price of Rs 50 lakh at the IPL 2023 auction. The 34-year-old veteran, born in St. Lucia, has played 89 limited-over matches for West Indies since making his debut against England at the Oval in a T20 game in 2011.

His ODI debut came the next year against Australia in 2012. He was also part of the Caribbean T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2012 and 2016. Johnson's batting style, often bats in the middle-order or top-order, is often compared with former Windies all-rounder Dwayne Smith as he likes to use his muscle strength to hit the ball.

Due to the presence of Denesh Ramdin and Andre Fletcher as the first-choice wicket-keepers in the Test and limited format, Johnson always mostly played the role of back-up in the team. He recently slammed a 39-ball century against South Africa in T20Is in a career-reviving innings.

His career's best knock, however, came in the 2016's World Cup semifinal as his 36-ball 52 took West Indies to the final at the cost of hosts India in Mumbai. Following the performance, a grandstand was named after him at St. Lucia's Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, previously known as Beausejour Stadium.

His playing style, combined with a strike rate of 130-plus in T20s, Johnson Charles has played in T20 franchise leagues around the globe, including SA20 (Durban Super Giants), Pakistan Super League (Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators), Caribbean Premier League and Dhaka Premier League. This is the first time he may get to make his maiden appearance in IPL.