The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to generate intense interest, with Shreyas Iyer emerging as one of the most sought-after players. The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, who led the team to a title victory in IPL 2024, was surprisingly released by the franchise ahead of the auction. This decision, explained by KKR CEO Venky Mysore as a result of a misalignment in vision, has opened up opportunities for Iyer to be pursued as a captaincy candidate by other franchises.
Gavaskar Predicts KKR and Delhi Will Target Iyer
Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar believes that KKR may still bid for Iyer in the auction despite releasing him, but if they don’t, Delhi Capitals will likely go all out to acquire his services. Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar said, “When KKR won last year, Shreyas Iyer was the captain. Disagreements over fees can sometimes happen, but I feel KKR might still bid for him at the auction. If they don’t, I think Delhi will definitely target him.”
Iyer: A Hot Prospect for Captaincy
At 29, Shreyas Iyer remains one of the most dependable players in the T20 format and brings immense value as a leader. Although he has fallen out of favor in India’s T20I squad, his leadership qualities make him a top pick for franchises seeking a captain. Teams like Delhi Capitals, who are in search of a strong leader, could see Iyer as the perfect fit.
KKR’s Retentions and Changes
KKR has retained key players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy ahead of the auction, signaling their focus on core performers. The franchise has also brought in a new mentor, Dwayne Bravo, replacing Gautam Gambhir, who stepped down to become India’s head coach earlier this year.
Delhi Capitals’ Dilemma
For Delhi Capitals, the decision to pursue Iyer or retain Rishabh Pant via the Right to Match (RTM) card will be a significant one. Gavaskar remarked, “Delhi needs a captain, and Iyer fits that role perfectly. If Rishabh Pant is unavailable or not in their plans, they will likely use the RTM card for him or go aggressively for Iyer at the auction.”
A High-Stakes Auction Awaits
With Iyer’s proven track record and captaincy skills, the IPL 2025 auction promises to witness an intense bidding war for the stylish batter. Whether KKR chooses to reunite with their former skipper or Delhi steps in to secure his services, Iyer is poised to be one of the marquee players in the upcoming mega auction.
