Former Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has shared his thoughts on the franchise’s decision to release Shubman Gill ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. Iyer said he understood the management’s reasons behind the decision, despite Gill being an important part of the team.
Gill had been part of KKR for four seasons before the franchise released him ahead of the 2022 auction. He was then picked by GT, and he played a crucial role in their title-winning campaign in their debut season.
Speaking on former India opener Aakash Chopra’s podcast Baith and Bol, Iyer said: “I understand where they come from. It comes down to what felt right at that moment and what was in your hands. In hindsight, you can call it a wrong decision, but no decision is strictly right or wrong.”
Iyer said KKR could be proud of giving chances to greenhorn players over the years.
“At least they are in a position where they are giving new stars to India. KKR has given more India debuts than perhaps any other franchise, which they can be extremely proud of,” Iyer added.
Venkatesh said the blame was put on him when KKR did not retain Gill and when Shreyas Iyer was not picked in the auction.
“Both times the sword fell on me. When Shubman was not retained, I was retained; and when Shreyas was not picked, that money was spent on me,” Iyer stated.
“It was a management call, why would I say no to it? Would I say, ‘Not me, pick him’? That’s not possible,” he added.
Iyer recently played a key role in RCB’s title-winning run in 2026.
