“CEO is there to console players who are sitting out”- Shreyas Iyer clarifies his statement; KKR defeat SRH

“CEO is there to console players who are sitting out”- Shreyas Iyer clarifies his statement; KKR defeat SRH

Shreyas Iyer

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer had clarified his earlier statement on CEO’s involvement in the team selection process. During the post-match presentation ceremony at the MCA Stadium on May 14, Iyer said that KKR CEO was there to console the players.

He said: “When I took the CEO’s name, I wanted to say that he’s there to console the players who’ve been sitting out. It’s tough for us as well while picking teams.

After the match against MI, Iyer had sparked controversy when he said the involvement of Mysore, “It is really difficult (to tell players about axings). Coach and at time, CEO is also obviously involved in team selections. Each and every player takes it well, and they have put in their best efforts.”

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After Iyer’s comment, former Indian cricketer Madan Lal, who was an integral part of 1983 World Cup winning side expressed his shock over Iyer’s revelations.

“I am personally shocked and dismayed by Iyer’s revelations. If that’s true then what are coaches and support staff doing? It is the job of coaches and captains to decide the team and not the CEO,” said Madan Lal.

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KKR beat SRH

Shreyas Iyer
Andre Russell

Meanwhile, choosing to bat first, KKR posted a competitive 177 runs after Sam Billings and Andre Russell’s 34 and 49 respectively. SRH’s Umran Malik was the highest wicket taker from the side with three wickets in his four overs.

KKR at end could score only 123 runs by losing 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Russell picked up three wickets and conceded 22 runs in his four overs with an economy rate of 5.50. Tim Southee picked up two wickets while Umesh Yadav, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy bagged one wicket each.

Also Read | “Heart of KKR”- Twitter reacts as Andre Russell’s quickfire 49 helps KKR post a daunting total against SRH