Latest Report Suggests Shreyas Iyer May Not Be Retained by KKR

New Delhi: With IPL 2025 retentions approaching, the future of Shreyas Iyer with Kolkata Knight Riders remains uncertain. Despite guiding KKR to victory in the 2024 season, there have been rumors of a lack of communication between Iyer and the franchise. The Times of India has reported that talks have now been initiated between KKR and Iyer, but he may not be their top choice for retention.

“As of last Friday, the two parties hadn’t spoken. There was lot of word going around on Shreyas Iyer and KKR but the two never sat across the table to have any discussion with regards to the plans for future or the IPL retentions. The first conversation happened on Sunday,” said a source close to developments.

Sources close to the situation have reportedly expressed surprise over KKR’s limited interest in retaining Shreyas Iyer. They also revealed that several franchises have already reached out to him with potential leadership offers.

“Iyer won a title last season, has been a proven leader when he successfully led Delhi Capitals. He has been a hot property in the league and it’s no surprise there were approaches from multiple franchise the moment KKR chose to take a backseat. If he goes into the auction pool, there will be at least three franchises who would be looking to get him. Indian middle-order bat, proven leader. Who would want to miss that combination? Not many,” a source told TOI.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders retain Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Phil Salt, and Sunil Narine to maintain a strong core group for the upcoming season.

“KKR dominated the entire season, so it will be difficult for them to leave or retain anyone. But it’s a matter of retention, so you only have limited numbers that you can retain. If I want to see or if I have to choose my 6 players, which 6 players will be there for KKR? I think Shreyas Iyer will be there, Phil Salt will be there, Narine will be there, Andre Russell will be there, Rinku Singh will be there,” Harbhajan told Star Sports.