After being released from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, Shreyas Iyer delivered a stunning unbeaten 152 off 164 balls for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game against Odisha. With fellow batsman Siddhesh Lad also remaining unbeaten on 116, Iyer and Lad's partnership of 231* runs for the fourth wicket was a highlight of the day. This performance by Iyer has raised questions about his exclusion from the KKR squad, with mixed reports about his absence from a previous game.
Shreyas Iyer's Resurgence After KKR Release Raises Questions
Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer has made a thunderous statement after being released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Playing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Iyer smashed an unbeaten 152 off 164 balls against Odisha.
This performance came after Iyer was surprisingly excluded from KKR's squad for the tournament. The move had sparked questions about his form and fitness, but Iyer's latest innings has raised doubts about the validity of those concerns.
Background
Shreyas Iyer is a talented young batsman who has represented India in all three formats. He was a key player for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for several years before being traded to KKR in 2022.
In the IPL, Iyer has amassed over 4,800 runs at an average of 32.97. He has also been a reliable captain, leading Delhi Capitals to the final of the tournament in 2019.
KKR Release and Ranji Performance
However, Iyer's performance for KKR in the 2024 season was underwhelming. He scored only 272 runs in 15 matches at an average of 18.80. As a result, KKR released him ahead of the 2025 auction.
Since being released, Iyer has played two matches for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. In his first match, he scored an unbeaten 82 against Maharashtra. In his second match against Odisha, he notched up the aforementioned 152.
Questions about KKR Release
Iyer's impressive Ranji performance has raised questions about KKR's decision to release him. Some have suggested that the move may have been premature, especially given his past success in the IPL.
Others have pointed out that Iyer's Ranji performance came against weaker opposition than he faces in the IPL. They argue that his performance in the IPL is a more accurate reflection of his current form.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: Why was Shreyas Iyer released from KKR? A: KKR released Iyer due to his disappointing performance in the 2024 IPL season.
Q2: What is Iyer's current form? A: Iyer has scored two centuries in his first two matches for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
Q3: Is Iyer likely to be picked up in the IPL 2025 auction? A: Yes, Iyer is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming IPL auction.
Q4: Was KKR's decision to release Iyer justified? A: Opinions differ on the validity of KKR's decision. Some believe it was premature, while others argue that his IPL performance warranted the release.
Q5: What teams are likely to bid for Iyer in the IPL 2025 auction? A: Several teams, including Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings, are rumored to be interested in signing Iyer.
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