Venkatesh Iyer says KKR released Shubman Gill before 2022 mega auction

Venkatesh Iyer said Kolkata Knight Riders released Shubman Gill before the 2022 mega auction. He received online hate whenever Gill scored well, with fans commenting that KKR had lost a diamond for gold.

Iyer said he understood the decision at the time and had no say because it was a management call. He was retained when Gill was released and later benefited when Shreyas Iyer was not retained. He added that KKR has given more India debuts than any other franchise.

The criticism directed at him was unfair and continued even after he moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Iyer noted that there was no place for mediocrity in the KKR dressing room under Gautam Gambhir, whose aura ensured only excellence would work in the team.