Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 52 runs in a one-sided encounter at the DY Patil stadium in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). KKR successfully defended the target of 165 runs. Tim Southee and Pat Cummins were the top bowlers for KKR.
The Knight Riders made as many as five changes in their playing XI for this match. KKR has faced a lot of criticism for not backing its players this season. They have done lots of chopping with their team combination. When asked about the frequent changes made by KKR, skipper Shreyas Iyer revealed the inside secret about it.
Shreyas Iyer revealed that CEO Venky Mysore is also involved in team selection, so it’s difficult to tell players about axings. “It is really difficult (to tell players about axings). Coach and at times, CEO is also obviously involved in team selections. Each and every player takes it well, and they have put in their best efforts,” Shreyas Iyer said.
Several KKR fans were unhappy with the fact that the CEO is also involved in team selections. Fans believe that the captain and the supporting staff should be given freehand to select his playing 11. Many fans also blamed the CEO of KKR for the bad performance of KKR in IPL 2022.
Here are some of the top Twitter reactions:
TBH good on Shreyas Iyer to say that coach and CEO have more power than him in team selections.
Why should he take the backlash for the sorry squad KKR assembled?
BTW,all those who thought that Shreyas was evil genius captain after first few matches can maybe pipe down now.
— Akash (@Akashkumarjha14) May 9, 2022
Most shocking part about Shreyas's interview was he told "CEO also takes part in playing XI selection"
Till now I used to live in delusional world. I thought Venky doesn't interfere in these decisions
— Pratik (@Prat1k_) May 9, 2022
Shreyas Iyer on KKR team selection:
"It is really difficult (to tell players about axings). Coach and at times, CEO is also obviously involved in team selections. Each and every player takes it well, and they have put in their best efforts."#IPL2022
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) May 9, 2022
IYER said CEO also is involved in team selections. Nah shouldn't be that way.
— `rR (@ryandesa_7) May 9, 2022
NOOOO 😲 Shreyas Iyer did not say "CEO is also obviously involved in team selection".
That's a huge, huge statement and very disappointing to hear. That's definitely not what a player would want to hear…#KKRvsMI
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) May 10, 2022
Really like courage of Shreyas Iyer exposing CEO who is responsible for team selections. Because it’s definitely not the reflection of his captaincy skills when he was leading DC. BAZ & venky Mysore spoiled this team.
— Mathmagician (@NaniPruthviraj) May 9, 2022
The dynamics of power in an IPL team has shifted over the years. The captains aren't the bosses anymore. Maybe an exception here and there, but the franchises are now run by the coaches and the CEOs. Can't understand why everyone is surprised by Iyer's statement. #IPL2022
— Srivatsa Avasarala (@vatsa_avasarala) May 10, 2022
Shreyas Iyer is saying CEO is involved in team selection 😳😳😳
Never expected this tbh#KKRvMI
— Bumrah is God (@EternalBlizard_) May 9, 2022
Shreyas getting sacked after one season after that comment (CEO involved in team selection)? Surely, it will ruffle a few feathers #IPL2022 #MIvKKR
— Anshul Gupta (@oyegupta_) May 9, 2022
Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul vs KKR goes in vain
Mumbai fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah claimed his first fifer in T20 cricket against KKR. He picked up five crucial wickets, including Andre Russell, Nitish Rana, Sunil Narine, Sheldon Jackson and Pat Cummins. When Bumrah came into the attack, Kolkata were in a leading position with 136 runs on board in 14 Overs. However, Bumrah’s spell ensured that KKR was restricted to 165 runs.
Bumrah also grabbed the man of the match award despite his efforts ending in a losing cause. Bumrah in post-match interview said:
“Always a good feeling to contribute but the important thing is for the team to win. We had our chance to do that but couldn’t get it done. That’s the way it is. I don’t keep track of figures or goals, my aim is to stick to the process.”
Written by Harsh Gupta
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