Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar predicted Shreyas Iyer’s new IPL team ahead of the mega action. Gavaskar felt that Kolkata Knight Riders could bid for Iyer, who captained the franchise to a title win in IPL 2024. However, he pointed out that Delhi Capitals would also want to acquire the services of Iyer if they don’t want to have Rishabh Pant in their team. With an auction purse of Rs 51 crore and no RTM card, it could be difficult for KKR to have Iyer to have their IPL winning captain back in the team. Iyer joined the Knight Riders in IPL 2022 as their captain and missed the 2023 season due to a back injury. However, in the 17th edition of the IPL, Iyer led KKR to title glory as they became 3-time IPL champions.
“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,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports’ show ‘Game Plan’. Iyer has set his base price at Rs 2 crore. His performance last season was impressive, amassing 351 runs in 14 innings at an average of 39, with a strike rate of 146.86.
“KKR might bid from Shreyas Iyer”
“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 added.
Sunil Gavaskar suggested that the Delhi Capitals might target Shreyas Iyer in the upcoming IPL auction. With uncertainty surrounding Delhi bidding for Pant, the franchise could be on the lookout for a new captain. Iyer, who previously led Delhi, could be an ideal fit to take up the leadership role once again. Gavaskar believes Iyer’s experience and familiarity with the team’s culture make him a strong contender, should Pant remain unavailable.
“Delhi will want him because they will also need to find a captain if Rishabh Pant isn’t in their team. So I feel Delhi will definitely try to use the RTM card or bring Rishabh Pant back into their team at the auction,” he said.
