Following weeks of reports and rumours, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore revealed the thought process behind not retaining IPL 2024-winning captain Shreyas Iyer ahead of the mega auction. Shreyas had led KKR to one of the most dominant IPL title wins in 2024, but parted ways, with the franchise retaining six other players. Mysore hinted that it was Shreyas's decision, and not KKR's, that led to his non-retention. He also hinted that Shreyas wanted to test his market value in the auction.
"He was No. 1 on our list (for retention). He's captain and we have to build everything around the leadership. We picked him for this specific reason in 2022," said Mysore, speaking to RevSportz.
We hope people won't say anymore Shreyas Iyer didn't get the respect he deserves. KKR gave him first retention but he didn't accept. Hear what Venky Mysore is saying pic.twitter.com/11PW0a0pCY
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) November 1, 2024
Mysore, however, revealed that the auction retention process is one that requires mutual agreement, and that could not happen with Shreyas Iyer.
"What is fundamental to a retention is that it's a matter of mutually agreeing. It's not a one-sided right that the franchise has, the player has to consider various factors and agree," said Mysore.
"Somewhere along the line, if that agreement doesn't happen because of factors like money or someone wants to test their value, then the decision is influenced," Mysore said.
Mysore stated that although he enjoys a personal rapport with Shreyas, the batter wanted to test his value in the auction, a decision that he was happy to support. He emphasised the importance of players prioritising their commercial value.
"In this case, it so happened that he felt it was best, and we're always supportive of the players when it comes to going to the auction and testing their value," Mysore added.
With teams such as Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the hunt for captains, Iyer could be highly sought-after in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
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