KKR should not have let Shreyas Iyer go: Anil Kumble slams team's retention policy
India Today
Anil Kumble believes Kolkata Knight Riders weakened their own title-winning core by releasing Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt after their 2024 triumph. The former India captain criticised the franchise's inconsistent retention strategy.
Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Kolkata Knight Riders paid the price in IPL 2025 after releasing title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer ahead of the season. Kumble said the franchise’s lack of consistency in retaining key players hurt their chances.
KKR had lifted their third IPL trophy in 2024 with Iyer as captain, while Phil Salt played a key role in the campaign. However, both players were released before the 2025 season. Speaking on Star Sports, Kumble criticised the franchise’s decision to part ways with two major contributors from their championship-winning side.
“Two years ago, KKR won the IPL and lifted their third trophy. Two important cogs in that wheel were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both played crucial roles in helping them win. But KKR let both of them go. There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention. KKR took the wrong decision by letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt leave. That has left them without an IPL-winning captain,” Kumble said.
Kumble pointed out that while Ajinkya Rahane is a seasoned cricketer, the value of a captain who has already won the IPL cannot be ignored.
“Yes, Ajinkya Rahane is an experienced campaigner. He has led Mumbai in domestic cricket and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. But he has not lifted the IPL title as captain. Having a skipper who has won the trophy gives you an advantage,” Kumble said.
He further said KKR must learn to hold on to their key players if they want to remain serious contenders.
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