IPL Auction 2025: KKR desperate to retain Shreyas Iyer, but he eyes exit for this reason

There were intense rumors that the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are not interested in retaining Shreyas Iyer, and even they are looking for fresh leadership ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2025 mega auction next month.

But the latest claims are just opposite to the media buzz surrounding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Shreyas Iyer, and that left everyone with open mouths. Nagraj Gollapudi, who is close to the KKR co-owner Venky Mysore, made some shocking revelations about their current captain.

KKR eager to retain Captain Shreyas Iyer amid rival team's jaw-dropping offer

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) want to retain Iyer as their first retention, amid swirling rumors of his potential exit. ESPNCricinfo’s Nagraj Gollapudi claimed that KKR’s rival team has thrown a jaw-dropping offer to Iyer, making his future at the Kolkata side more uncertain than ever.

🚨📰| Kolkata Knight Riders are ready to give the 1st retention slot to Shreyas Iyer but Shreyas Iyer is seriously considering leaving KKR because of many reasons like another rival team has made him a big offer.

- ESPNcricinfo pic.twitter.com/qiqwokd4JP

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) October 28, 2024

Iyer is still a key figure in Kolkata’s plans, but the attraction of this tempting proposal from another franchise is becoming hard to ignore for their current captain. Nagraj further claimed that this rival team's offer is not only massive but could also reshape the dynamics of the IPL.

The speculation about Iyer’s potential departure from KKR is now an open secret. As the captain who led KKR to the IPL 2024 title triumph, Iyer's leadership skills are highly regarded within the Kolkata-based franchise’s dressing room.

Shreyas Iyer's leadership quality attracts IPL teams ahead of the mega auction

It is being said that Iyer’s tactical acumen and ability to support the team have won him respect at KKR, but now he finds himself at a crossroads. His confidence as a leader is unwavering, and it’s this self-assuredness that could fuel his decision to explore new horizons in the upcoming IPL 2025.

The KKR co-owner Venky Mysore’s close source revealed that they are undoubtedly eager to keep Iyer in their ranks and are expected to offer him a lucrative retention deal ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction in November.

The defending champions recognize Iyer’s value, and they are ready to compete financially to ensure the Indian middle-order batter remains a key part of their future. However, the rival team’s tempting offer may force Iyer to leave the KKR. So, it would be interesting to see whether Iyer decides to stay loyal to KKR or accept the enticing offer from a rival team.

'KKR definitely would want him and will give him a big offer'

Nagraj Gollapudi said on KKR’s fan page, KKR Vibe: “I think there's at least a very strong offer from another rival franchise, which has apparently given him a massive number, which will be paid like in whatever fashion. There will be other offers coming up since he is the IPL-winning captain.

But KKR definitely would want him and will give him a big offer. I'm not sure whether it is a top retention or not; that's beside the point, but they will give him the price that if he's in demand, they will give him the top price. So, KKR is ready to give him the first retention slot, but Iyer is seriously considering going into the auction because of what some other franchises have promised him.”

Nagraj from ESPNcricinfo, who is in close contact with Venky Mysore, mentioned that the main issue isn't the top retention. Instead, it's the other franchises that have reached out to Shreyas Iyer and promised him a large amount.pic.twitter.com/pmDAV4raWr

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) October 28, 2024