Kolkata Knight Riders to release Gautam Gambhir for IPL 2018?

Gautam Gambhir has revealed that he is yet to speak with the team management of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the players retention deadline for the next edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchises have to submit their list of retained players by January 4, only 12 days from now. It is surprising that the skipper of the team is unsure about his future with the side. However, Gambhir has also cleared that he is open to playing for any team in case he is released by KKR.

KKR has won the title twice under the leadership of Delhi batsman and also performed decently in the last season. Even his form at the top was excellent and it is really baffling to understand that the team management hasn’t yet spoken to the most important member of the team. According to the newly-drafted policy, franchises can keep five players with them through retention or by using Right-to-Match cards. They might well be planning to buy him back during the auction as the veteran is well past his prime and might not garner a huge amount.

Gambhir surprised

Gautam Gambhir himself revealed the shocking news while speaking to Hindustan Times that he has not been contacted by the team management of KKR yet and hoped that they will discuss about his future after the final of the ongoing Ranji season. “It is very surprising that I have not spoken to anyone (in KKR management). I don’t know about myself [future with KKR]. We’ll probably sit and talk after the Ranji final. But yes I am [open to playing for another franchise],” he said.

Though Gauti was happy for spending a good time with KKR and was ready to embrace different challenges ahead. “You have achieved so much for KKR. You have done whatever you could. If things do not work out in future, the good part is that you are leaving a franchise on a good note, when it has become a successful franchise. Not when you were struggling. As a professional, you want different challenges. There is nothing wrong with it. That’ll keep you motivated and hungry,” the 36-year-old added.