'Real loss' - Irfan Pathan urges KKR, DC to retain Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals to retain their captains, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant respectively. Ahead of the deadline on October 31, Pathan took to X (Formerly Twitter) to express his thoughts on the duo's retentions, amid rumours of release. 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are gearing up for the mega auction ahead of IPL 2025. The previous three-year cycle ended in 2024 after the last mega auction was held in 2022.

As teams look for a major overhaul to their existing squads, Pathan has requested DC and KKR to draft their respective skippers,.

BET NOW: Bet here on the IND vs NZ Test series and win cash bonuses

Why did Irfan Pathan request KKR and DC to retain Iyer and Pant?

Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant are rumoured to be on their way out of their existing franchises, KKR and DC respectively. The star Indian duo could go under the hammer at the mega auction, as per rumours ahead of the retention deadline on October 31. 

Taking to X, Pathan wrote, "If Shreyas Iyer isn’t retained after leading the team to an IPL title, it’d be a real loss. hoping Delhi also works to keep Rishabh Pant—his potential as both a player and captain, along with his market value, is massive."

If Shreyas Iyer isn’t retained after leading the team to an IPL title, it’d be a real loss. hoping Delhi also works to keep Rishabh Pant—his potential as both a player and captain, along with his market value, is massive. #IPLRetention

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 30, 2024

MORE: What will KKR's purse be for mega auction after retentions?

What is Shreyas Iyer's captaincy record for KKR?

What is Rishabh Pant's captaincy record for DC?

BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on sporting action