England’s Jason Roy Opts Out of IPL 2024; KKR Ropes in Phil Salt as Replacement

March 10, 2024 0 412

England’s Jason Roy has opted out of the IPL 2024 season for personal reasons, prompting Kolkata Knight Riders to enlist Phil Salt as his replacement.

England’s top-order batter Jason Roy has opted out of the forthcoming Indian Premier League season, where he plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, citing personal reasons. Consequently, KKR, victors in 2012 and 2014, have chosen fellow Englishman Phil Salt as his substitute.

The IPL administration confirmed this development in a statement, announcing Salt’s inclusion in the KKR squad for IPL 2024 following Roy’s withdrawal due to personal commitments.

Despite an impressive performance with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023, where he was their second-highest run-scorer, Salt found himself surprisingly unsold at the December auction. He had amassed 218 runs in nine innings, including two half-centuries and a high score of 87. However, he showcased his prowess with back-to-back T20I centuries for England against West Indies, one of which came in just 48 deliveries, jointly the quickest for England.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) eventually secured him at his reserve price of Rs 1.5 crore. Reflecting on the auction snub, Salt had expressed confusion, acknowledging the unpredictability inherent in such processes, stating, “There are no bad cricketers on the list at the IPL. It’s one of those things.”

The IPL 2024 kicks off on March 22 with Chennai Super Kings facing Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kolkata Knight Riders begin their campaign on March 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. KKR’s last season ended disappointingly, finishing seventh with six wins and eight losses, failing to make it to the playoffs.