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According to reports from multiple sources, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to release their captains – Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, respectively. However, Irfan Pathan strongly believes that both players should be retained.
For the first time ahead of a mega auction, as many as six players can be retained by each franchise. These players can be retained either from the outset or through the Right To Match (RTM) cards in the auction. However, a maximum of five capped players can be retained.
Also Read: Reports: Rishabh Pant to part ways with Delhi Capitals, set to enter IPL mega auction
Interestingly, Shreyas, who led KKR to the title in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, is expected to head into the auction. ESPNcricinfo reported that the Mumbai batter along with Andre Russell and Mitchell Starc are set for a move. Iyer was KKR’s most expensive buy at the previous mega auction in 2022, costing INR 12.25 crore, and KKR slotted him in as captain. The right-handed batter missed the 2023 edition due to a back injury but captained the side in 2022 and 2024.
Pant also seems to be in line to find a new home in the cash-rich league after an eight-year association with DC. He captained the Delhi-based franchise in three editions of the IPL.
“If Shreyas Iyer isn’t retained after leading the team to an IPL title, it’d be a real loss. hoping Delhi also works to keep Rishabh Pant—his potential as both a player and captain, along with his market value, is massive. #IPLRetention,” Pathan wrote on his official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle.
If Shreyas Iyer isn’t retained after leading the team to an IPL title, it’d be a real loss. hoping Delhi also works to keep Rishabh Pant—his potential as both a player and captain, along with his market value, is massive. #IPLRetention
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 30, 2024
Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant’s IPL numbers
Shreyas made his IPL debut for DC before moving to KKR. He has made 115 appearances in the franchise league and scored 3,127 runs at an average of 32.24 and a strike rate of 127.48. The 29-year-old has registered 21 half-centuries and has a highest score of 96 versus Gujarat Lions in IPL 2017.
Also Read: ‘KKR will end up with a solid squad’ – Parthiv Patel shares rationale behind bold statement
Meanwhile, Pant has only represented Delhi Capitals in the IPL. In 111 matches, the wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93. He has 18 fifties to his name and he also notched up a century (128*) against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2018.
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