RETAINED PLAYERS
Image: IPLT20

The preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is up and running. The retention and release day is here and by the end of Sunday (26th November), every picture will be cleared. It is expected that there will be few surprises as various reports have given some hints, which have blown away many. 

IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders release this crucial all-rounder ahead of auction 

IPL 2024
Shardul Thakur | BCCI/IPL

In what has been the latest development as per the reports in the Indian Express, it is learned that Kolkata Knight Riders has released Shardul Thakur. The all-rounder was traded last year to KKR for INR 10.75 crores. 

Shardul Thakur however didn’t do any justice to his price tag as had a poor campaign. He scored just 113 runs with the bat from 11 innings and claimed only seven wickets in the tournament. His poor outings were among the reasons why KKR didn’t have a poor outing. 

Releasing Shardul Thakur will free up INR 10.75 crores for Kolkata Knight Riders. Apart from this, they will also get 5 crores additional, which will give a hefty amount going into the IPL 2024 auction. The management would be eyeing a proper all-rounder in his place. 

Read Also: IPL 2024: After Hardik, another Pandya…, R Ashwin’s cheeky reaction on Mumbai Indians trade

Shardul Thakur was expected to play a huge role for KKR last year but he couldn’t live up to the expectations. His poor performances are potentially the reason why KKR are letting him go. Although there’s no official confirmation about his release but the announcement is likely to be made soon. 

If the reports about him getting released emerge to be true, Shardul Thakur would be hoping to attract new bidders. There were earlier reports that he might join Royal Challengers Bangalore. The clear picture of this will be available in the evening today. 

IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders Rope in Gautam Gambhir as mentor 

Kolkata Knight Riders roped in Gautam Gambhir as a mentor for the upcoming editions of the league. He parted ways with Lucknow Super Giants and will be seen in new attire in IPL 2024. It’ll be a homecoming for him as he has been an integral part of the team. He joined KKR in 2011 and made it among the most successful franchises in the league. 

Under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders became a dominating force and won titles in 2012 and 2014. His return to the team will be a massive boost for the team as since the last few editions in the league they have tumbled a bit.