KKR Start Talks with Shreyas Iyer as Other Teams Offer Him Captaincy Ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

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Read Original Content: KKR Start Talks with Shreyas Iyer as Other Teams Offer Him Captaincy Ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

As the deadline for IPL teams to announce their retained players approaches, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a challenging decision regarding their captain, Shreyas Iyer. With just 48 hours left before the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, the defending champions are evaluating their roster, and Iyer’s future is uncertain.

Shreyas Iyer’s Position at KKR Under Scrutiny

Traditionally, an IPL-winning captain would be a priority for retention, but recent reports suggest that KKR may not include the 29-year-old in their retention list. However, there is still a glimmer of hope for Iyer, as discussions have reportedly taken place between him and the franchise over the weekend. This marks a shift, as no talks had occurred until last Friday.

According to the Times of India, several franchises have expressed interest in Shreyas, offering him leadership roles. While KKR does consider him part of their plans, he might not be among their top retention choices. In the IPL, teams can retain capped players at varying price slots: Rs. 18 crore for the top two, Rs. 14 crore for the next two, and Rs. 11 crore for the third slot.

KKR’s Likely Retention Choices

KKR is expected to retain key players like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana. They might also utilize the Right to Match (RTM) card on Varun Chakravarthy and either Venkatesh Iyer or Nitish Rana.

The Case for Retaining Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas’s performance in the 2024 season was below expectations, with only 351 runs at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 146.86. Throughout his IPL career, he has played 115 matches, scoring 3,127 runs at an average of 32.24 with a strike rate of 127.48.

Despite these numbers, proven leaders often attract a premium in the auction. Shreyas has led KKR to victory this past season and previously took Delhi Capitals to their only IPL final in 2020. Notably, he is the only captain in IPL history to lead two different teams to finals.

With multiple franchises eyeing him for captaincy, KKR must weigh the benefits of retaining Shreyas Iyer against their overall roster strategy. As the auction approaches, the franchise’s decision could impact not only Iyer’s career but also the dynamics of the upcoming season. The next few days will be crucial for KKR and their leadership choices moving forward.

Read Original Content: KKR Start Talks with Shreyas Iyer as Other Teams Offer Him Captaincy Ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

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