Shreyas Iyer to Exit Kolkata Knight Riders

Shreyas Iyer, the Mumbai batter and captain, is parting ways with Kolkata Knight Riders. Negotiations with the team's management have been tough, leading to what appears to be his exit from the defending champions. 

Indeed, Iyer's absence from KKR's retention list soon to be presented to the BCCI, is becoming increasingly certain. However, the possibility to employ the Right to Match (RTM) card may be considered at a later time, likely during the auction next month.

Franchises often favor Indian captains - this potentially places Iyer in prime position for such roles, especially after KKR's championship title. He has reportedly received offers from several franchises within the IPL. The high fee Iyer demanded, considering his fitness, recent performances and status, has sparked debate among IPL professionals.

Iyer, currently without a central BCCI contract, received an IPL salary of INR 12.25 crore in the 2022 season by KKR. His statistics from 14 matches list 401 runs with an average of 30.85. With five unbeaten innings in the 2024 season he scored 350 runs at an average of 39. However, a recurring back injury led to his absence in the 2023 season.

In the run-up to the IPL retention, questions about franchises engaging with players currently under contract elsewhere have arisen. Rumors of astronomical amount talks led by players' agents are rife. Despite these discussions, no player can truly count on high bid amounts during the notoriously erratic auction.

The new RTM rule could hold an answer, as it allows a franchise to increase a player's bid to an agreed-upon value. Nevertheless, the franchise holding the RTM must opt to utilize it, adding another layer of unpredictability to the process. For instance, a player assured of an INR 25 crore bid might end up with a INR 15 crore one without RTM.