Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has voiced his opinion that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) should retain their captain, Shreyas Iyer, ahead of the upcoming IPL mega-auction. Chopra emphasized that KKR must maintain continuity by retaining Iyer, who led the franchise to their third IPL title.
There have been rumors suggesting that KKR might consider bringing in Suryakumar Yadav, but Chopra believes it would be a mistake to let Shreyas go. He mentioned that co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, known for his emotional attachment to players, would likely push for Iyer’s retention, especially after a title-winning season.
Aakash Chopra’s View on Shreyas Iyer’s Retention
Chopra feels that retaining Iyer, even at a high price of INR 18 crore, is necessary as he is a proven leader for the team. He argued that using the Right to Match (RTM) card to repurchase Iyer could send the wrong message to the captain, emphasizing that emotions play a significant role in team dynamics.
“You want to retain the captain first, which is Shreyas Iyer. If 18 crores go, let them go because you won’t get a captain. He is your winning captain. Retaining him is crucial to maintain continuity,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel. He further added, “Khan sahab (Shah Rukh Khan) would never allow Shreyas Iyer to leave after such a successful season.”
Retention of Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine
In addition to Iyer, Chopra urged KKR to retain key players like Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine. He noted that if Rinku were to enter the auction, he could fetch as much as INR 14 crore, making his retention essential. Chopra also highlighted the value of retaining veterans like Russell and Narine, who have been crucial to KKR’s success over the years.
“Rinku Singh, if he goes to the auction, will be sold for at least 14 crores. Retain him for sure. Both Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are the heart and soul of KKR, and it would be worth retaining them, even at a high price,” he said.
With the mega-auction approaching, KKR faces important decisions that will shape their squad for the next few seasons.
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KKR’s Potential Retained Players:
- Shreyas Iyer (captain)
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Sunil Narine
This retention strategy could be key to KKR’s continued success in the IPL as they look to build on their winning momentum.
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