Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO and managing director Venky Mysore recently stated that the franchise has “no regrets” about not retaining players like Shubman Gill, who have gone on to do well for other IPL franchises.
Mysore emphasized that there is happiness in seeing players developed by KKR excel in other teams. He mentioned the example of Shubman Gill, who was a top-five run-getter last season and played a key role in Gujarat Titans’ maiden IPL title win.
Mysore acknowledged that it’s difficult to lose players like Gill and former KKR players Kuldeep Yadav, Piyush Chawla, and Ajinkya Rahane, who have been performing well for their respective franchises.
However, he also blamed the IPL rules, stating that KKR was allowed to retain only four players in the 2022 auction. The team ended up retaining Andre Russell, Varun Chakravarthy, Venkatesh Iyer, and Sunil Narine.
Mysore said that KKR’s decisions were made based on the information available at that point, and those were the right decisions.
He mentioned that it’s tough to let some players go, but the team had to select four out of eight or nine players they would like to retain. He further added that it happens to every team, and he could give any number of examples.
Mysore mentioned that Iyer and Varun took KKR to the final in 2021, while Russell is arguably the best T20 allrounder and Narine needs no introduction.
He added that in the process of retaining some players, the team had to let go of others, including Rahul Tripathi, Lockie Ferguson, and Prasidh Krishna, who went for big money at auction.
Mysore stated that when they see those types of numbers, they feel happy for the players. It’s always a little backhanded compliment to KKR’s ability to bring those types of players and grow them in their setup. He said that KKR doesn’t regret losing players who are now bringing laurels to other franchises.
KKR’s Playoff Hopes
KKR had a tough start to IPL 2023, with six defeats from nine matches. The team now needs to win all their remaining five matches to keep their playoff hopes alive.
However, Mysore remained optimistic and said that KKR is still in contention, and he is confident that the team can turn things around.
Conclusion: Despite losing key players like Shubman Gill and others, KKR CEO Venky Mysore doesn’t regret their decisions.
He believes that the team made the right choices based on the available information, and it’s always tough to let some players go.
Mysore also mentioned that KKR is still in contention for the playoffs and is confident that the team can turn things around.
