Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble has come down heavily on Kolkata Knight Riders for letting go of Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt two players he considers central to their IPL 2024 title triumph calling the decision a significant strategic error that has cost the franchise dearly.
Iyer, who captained KKR to their third IPL crown, was released ahead of the mega auction and subsequently moved to Punjab Kings, whom he led to their maiden IPL final in 2025. Salt, the explosive England opener, joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru and played a pivotal role in helping RCB clinch their first-ever IPL title last season.
Kumble pointed squarely at the lack of a coherent retention philosophy at KKR, arguing that allowing both players to walk out the door reflected poor long-term planning.
“Two years ago, KKR won the IPL and lifted their third trophy. Two important cogs in that wheel were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both played crucial roles in helping them win but KKR let both of them go. There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention. KKR took the wrong decision by letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt leave and that has left them without an IPL-winning captain,” Kumble said, as per a JioHotstar release.
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The legendary spinner also weighed in on current KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, acknowledging his experience while highlighting a crucial gap. Rahane has previously led Mumbai in domestic cricket and the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, but has not yet lifted the IPL trophy as captain something Kumble believes puts KKR at a psychological disadvantage.
“Yes, Ajinkya Rahane is an experienced campaigner. He has led Mumbai in domestic cricket and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. But he has not lifted the IPL title as a captain yet. Having a skipper who has won the trophy gives you an advantage. KKR let go of that advantage. They need to learn how to keep hold of their key players. Otherwise, they will keep struggling and cannot be considered favourites to win the trophy,” Kumble added.
With the IPL 2026 season fast approaching, KKR open their campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29, before hosting three successive home fixtures at Eden Gardens in April against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants.