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“SRK Wouldn’t Let Shreyas Iyer Go”: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra suggested KKR to prioritise retaining Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will prioritise retaining their captain Shreyas Iyer ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Iyer led KKR to a thrilling victory in the IPL 2024 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad in May, securing the franchise’s third IPL title.
In a YouTube video, Chopra suggested that KKR wouldn’t hesitate to spend the maximum retention amount (INR 18 crore) to keep their winning skipper. “You want to retain the captain first and foremost, who is Shreyas Iyer. Even if it costs INR 18 crore, they should do it because you won’t get a good captain otherwise. He’s your winning captain, and retaining him ensures some continuity, especially after Gautam Gambhir’s departure,” Chopra reasoned.
He further emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive player-management relationship, highlighting Shah Rukh Khan’s emotional connection with the team. “You might be able to use the Right To Match (RTM) option to get Shreyas Iyer back for INR 18 crore, but it’s not ideal for the captain. Cricketers are humans with emotions, and who understands emotions better than Shah Rukh Khan? So, I feel he wouldn’t let Shreyas Iyer go,” Chopra added.
Aakash Chopra Lists Players That KKR Should Retain
While Iyer’s leadership is a priority, Chopra also suggested retaining some key players. “Secondly, looking from an Indian player perspective, Rinku Singh would be a valuable retention. He’d likely fetch a high price (around INR 14 crore) if released in the auction. Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are no-brainers as well. Retaining both might push the fourth retention slot to INR 18 crore, but it’s still worth it,” he said.
However, Chopra advised against retaining Varun Chakaravarthy, Venkatesh Iyer, and Harshit Rana (if he loses his uncapped status) due to potential cost-effectiveness in the auction. “I would suggest KKR limit their retentions to four players. If Harshit Rana remains uncapped, they could consider him for INR 4 crore. While all three (Chakaravarthy, Venkatesh, and Rana) are talented, they might not fetch high prices in the auction,” Chopra explained.
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While Phil Salt’s performance might have impressed KKR, Chopra believes the team might not be able to retain him due to retention limitations. He also anticipates Mitchell Starc, even if available in the auction pool, to be released by the defending champions.
Last Updated on October 4, 2024