New Delhi: Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar predicted Shreyas Iyer’s new IPL franchise ahead of the mega auction. Iyer captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a title victory in the IPL 2024 but was released by the franchise ahead of the big auction.
With a purse of INR 51 crore and no right-to-match card (RTM), it could be difficult for KKR to get him back.
Gavaskar said that Delhi Capitals (DC) can buy Shreyas Iyer if the franchise doesn’t want to retain Rishabh Pant. Iyer led DC to the final in IPL 2020 where they lost against Mumbai Indians. He joined KKR in 2022 as their skipper and missed the 2023 season due to a back injury. He made a sensational comeback and led KKR to their third IPL Trophy. He scored 351 runs in 14 innings at an average of 39, with a strike rate of 146.86.
‘KKR might bid for Shreyas Iyer but if the don’t then..’: Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar said that there could be disagreement on the fees between a player and franchise but once Shreyas comes into the auction KKR might bid for him. He further added that if they don’t bid then Delhi will definitely go for him.
“When KKR won last year (IPL 2024), Shreyas Iyer was the captain. As I said earlier for Rishabh Pant as well, at times, there could be a disagreement on the fees. However, I also feel once Shreyas Iyer comes into the auction, KKR might also bid for his services. If KKR don’t bid, I feel Delhi will do that” Gavaskar said on Star Sports’ show ‘Game Plan’.
Gavaskar also said that Delhi wants Iyer because they also need to find a captain if Rishabh isn’t part of their plans and if the Delhi-based franchise fails to get Iyer then they will try to bring Pant back by using RTM. The IPL 2025 auction is set to be held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The two-day event will start at 12:30 PM local time (3:00 PM IST) on November 24.
