Cricket Enthusiasts Shocked by KKR’s Retention Decisions
Cricket enthusiasts across the globe were left in a state of shock when Kolkata Knight Riders unveiled their retention list on October 31st. The franchise made some bold decisions, including the exclusion of IPL 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer from the list. KKR opted to retain Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Ramandeep Singh. Notably, Venkatesh Iyer, who has been a vital cog in KKR’s lineup for the past few seasons, was also not retained.
Speaking to Revsportz, Venkatesh Iyer praised KKR’s retention strategy, stating that the team had covered 14-16 overs with the ball and almost five batting positions. Iyer expressed his fondness for KKR, acknowledging the franchise’s role in his breakthrough.
“KKR has given me a big breakthrough, and I have given everything for KKR. Beyond cricket, there’s something called emotion,” he said.
Iyer admitted that he was emotional upon learning that he had not been retained by KKR.
“This is a family. There’s so much emotion. It kind of makes me teary-eyed that my name is not on the retention list, but I am a practical guy. I understand how it works,” he added.
In the IPL 2024 season, Venkatesh Iyer scored 370 runs in 15 matches. He was purchased by KKR in the IPL 2021 auction and played a key role in their runner-up finish that season, scoring 370 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 129. On April 16, 2023, Iyer achieved a significant milestone, becoming the second KKR batter after Brendon McCullum to score an IPL century, smashing 104 runs off just 51 balls against Mumbai Indians.
Iyer remains hopeful that he will have the opportunity to represent the team he loves the most.
“I would love to be there, and the doors are open. If I have a good auction, then I might still end up playing for the team I love the most,” he concluded.
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