Reports: KKR unlikely to retain Dinesh Karthik and Kuldeep Yadav before IPL 2021 

The Kolkata Knight Riders have not been able to qualify for the second round of the last two IPL seasons despite having some match-winners in their squad. Players like Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan, Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, Dinesh Karthik, and others were a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team in IPL 2020. 

Still, the Kolkata-based franchise missed out on a spot in the playoffs by a close margin. During the 2020 season, Dinesh Karthik handed over the team’s captaincy to Eoin Morgan. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav warmed the benches for a majority of the matches. 

Hence, the Kolkata Knight Riders have likely decided to end their association with these two players before IPL 2021 Auction. According to InsideSport, the Kolkata Knight Riders will gain 13.2 Crores in their purse by releasing Kuldeep Yadav and Dinesh Karthik. 

Here’s what a source close to the Kolkata Knight Riders team management told InsideSport:

“KKR already has Tom Banton, talented Nikhil Naik as wicket-keeping options in the squad. Team may continue with them and will let go off other options.”

It is pertinent to note Dinesh Karthik managed only 169 runs in the 14 matches of IPL 2020. Also, he has lost his place in the Indian cricket team. The same has happened with Kuldeep Yadav. 

Not long ago, Yadav was considered a wicket-taking bowler by the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Indian cricket team. Unfortunately, the left-arm wrist-spinner is set to lose his contract because of Varun Chakhravarthy’s rise. 

Among the foreign players, the Kolkata Knight Riders will discuss whether to retain Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, and Sunil Narine in the next ten days. The sources state that since the contract price of these players is high, the KKR team management will think a lot before making a final call on January 21, 2021.