'I understand where they come from' - Venkatesh Iyer on KKR releasing Shubman Gill

Venkatesh Iyer has opened up about Kolkata Knight Riders' decision to release Shubman Gill ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, offering perspective on a move that drew considerable scrutiny in retrospect. Gill delivered solid performances over his four seasons with KKR, yet the franchise chose to retain Iyer, who played a key role in the team's run to the 2021 final. Gill subsequently joined Gujarat Titans, where he won the 2022 IPL title, while Iyer remained with KKR.

In a podcast conversation with former India opener Aakash Chopra, Iyer reflected on the release and KKR's broader approach to squad management. He acknowledged the franchise's reasoning behind the call, even as he recognised how the outcome appeared in hindsight.

"I understand where they come from," Iyer said on Baith and Bol.

Why did KKR release Gill when other players also departed?

Iyer contextualised KKR's approach to player retention and release, noting that the franchise had made comparable decisions with other players who subsequently represented India at the highest level. KKR released both Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, and both later captained India, suggesting a pattern in how the franchise managed its squad composition.

"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.

Rather than criticising the franchise, Iyer highlighted KKR's track record in developing talent for the national team. He emphasised the franchise's contribution to Indian cricket through player development and debuts.

"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.

Iyer addressed the personal impact of KKR's retention decisions, revealing that he had directly benefited from the releases of other players. The franchise's choices had affected his own position within the squad and the resources allocated to him.

"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.

How did Iyer handle the social media backlash?

The retention decisions placed Iyer in an uncomfortable position on social media, where he faced criticism from fans who felt the franchise had made the wrong call. He acknowledged the unfair nature of the backlash directed at him personally.

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"Both times social media made me feel like ‘you are the reason most of us are unhappy’, which is uncalled for," Iyer said.

Iyer emphasised that he had no role in KKR's management decisions and could not have influenced the franchise's choices. He stressed that accepting the franchise's call was the only reasonable course of action available to him.

"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.

The backlash continued long after the 2022 auction, with Iyer revealing that he remained subject to criticism whenever Gill performed well. He described the persistent nature of the online hate directed at him, which he attributed to the perception that he had replaced a more talented player.

"I've been subject to unreal hate for a long time. Even till date, if Shubman scores a hundred and you go to a KKR page, people comment: 'We let go of Shubman and took him instead', 'In search of gold we lost diamond'...," Iyer explained.