Irfan Pathan urges KKR and DC to retain Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant respectively. The former Indian all-rounder believes that releasing these key players would be a significant loss for both franchises. Read more to know why Pathan feels these players are crucial for their respective teams’ success.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed his concerns over the potential release of Shreyas Iyer by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rishabh Pant by Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Pathan believes that retaining these two talented players is crucial for the success of both franchises.
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Shreyas Iyer’s Impact on KKR
Shreyas Iyer has been a key player for KKR since joining the franchise in 2018. He has consistently performed well with the bat and has also led the team to the IPL title in 2022. His leadership skills and ability to perform under pressure have made him an invaluable asset to the team.
If KKR decides to release Iyer, it would be a significant loss for the franchise. Iyer is a proven match-winner and his departure could weaken the team’s batting lineup. Moreover, it would be difficult to find a suitable replacement for him, especially given the limited pool of quality Indian batting talent.
What is Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy record for KKR?
Matches | Win | Loss | Tie/NR | Win% | Loss% | W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 | 11 | 3 | 0/2 | 68.75% | 18.75% | 3.67 |
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Rishabh Pant’s Importance to DC
Rishabh Pant has been a key player for DC since his debut in 2016. He has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket, with his aggressive batting style and wicket-keeping abilities. Pant’s leadership skills have also been impressive, and he has led the team to the playoffs on several occasions.
Despite his recent injury, Pant remains a valuable asset to DC. His recovery is expected to take some time, but once he returns to full fitness, he can make a significant impact on the team’s performance. Retaining Pant would be a wise decision for DC, as it would ensure that they have a strong core of players for the future.
What is Rishabh Pant’s captaincy record for DC?
Matches | Win | Loss | Tie/NR | Win% | Loss% | W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
43 | 23 | 19 | 1/0 | 53.28% | 44.18% | 1.21 |
Irfan Pathan’s Perspective
Irfan Pathan, who has extensive experience in the IPL, understands the importance of retaining key players. He believes that both KKR and DC should do everything in their power to keep Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant.
If Shreyas Iyer isn’t retained after leading the team to an IPL title, it’d be a real loss. hoping Delhi also works to keep Rishabh Pant—his potential as both a player and captain, along with his market value, is massive. #IPLRetention
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 30, 2024
“If Shreyas Iyer isn’t retained after leading the team to an IPL title, it’d be a real loss,” Pathan said. “Hoping Delhi also works to keep Rishabh Pant—his potential as both a player and captain, along with his market value, is massive.”
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The Future of KKR and DC
The decisions made by KKR and DC regarding the retention of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant will have a significant impact on their future. If these players are released, it could lead to a major overhaul of the teams’ squads.
It remains to be seen whether KKR and DC will heed Irfan Pathan’s advice and retain their star players. However, it is clear that these two players are crucial to the success of their respective franchises.