KKR added a third crown to their overall tally of IPLs as they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 summit clash. Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, the team fared brilliantly and all their players, from young rockstars to seasoned campaigners, they came together in winning them the all-important silverware.
But then with the retention slots being announced and the respective prices laced with it, one of the most obvious questions is that will KKR retain their middle-order. With 351 runs in the last edition of the tournament at a strike rate of 146.86, Shreyas may have a strong case of retention in his favour. However, here are three reasons why releasing him may be the right move for KKR.
#1 Injury concerns have been frequent
In recent times, Shreyas Iyer has struggled with injuries. Despite coming back strongly, for someone whom a team will be spending double figures, it goes without saying that he should be available for most of the matches. If he is fit, he has always been there for the team but then again a steep factor of uncertainty still looms large.
#2 Recent form has been shaky
Shreyas Iyer hasn’t made the cut for the international team for a while now and that is because of his dwindling numbers. Unless Iyer comes up with something extraordinary in the domestic games, chances are highly unlikely that KKR is going to retain their captain of the last season.
Also in IPL, somehow the kind of striking that we have witnessed from the other superstars, Iyer’s striking rate hasn’t exactly been in sync.
#3 KKR already has a leader in Mitchell Starc
The Australian fast bowler whom KKR bought for a staggering sum in the last edition of the mini-auction, comes in with a boatload of exposure and experience. He can also be a great leader and his preceding reputation also makes him a match-winner. With that being said, in case if KKR decides to let Shreyas go, Starc can very well be the captain of the side.
