Anticipation is building up ahead of the IPL retention deadline. The future of a number of big players could be decided in the next few days and all the focus will be on Shreyas Iyer as his fate will be known ahead of the IPL mega auction.
Iyer ended Kolkata Knight Riders' prolonged trophy drought by guiding them to their third IPL title last season. Rumours have been rife over Iyer’s KKR future and now a recent report revealed, two IPL franchises are interested in securing the service of the 29 year old.
As per Sangbad Pratidin, Iyer might not be retained by the KKR ahead of IPL 2025 and in that case, he will enter the auction as one of the heavy names. The report claimed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings could be in the hunt for the former Delhi Capitals skipper.
RCB might be in the market for a new captain as there are reports that the franchise might let Faf du Plessis leave after another disappointing campaign. Iyer is fresh of his IPL triumph and could provide the necessary lift Virat Kohli’s team is needed in the IPL.
Punjab have had a few underwhelming seasons under their belt and a further overhaul could be on the cards. With Shikhar Dhawan retiring from cricket, Iyer could be a handy option for the franchise. The 29 year old could inject fresh life into Punjab’s IPL campaign and they can build their team around him for the next couple of seasons.
Should Shreyas Iyer leave KKR, the Kolkata based outfit will reportedly go after Rishabh Pant whose IPL future is also up in the air. The Indian wicketkeeper returned to the IPL this year after his horrific car crash and scored 446 runs which further stamped his T20 credentials.