Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his views on the reports suggesting that Delhi Capitals and Shreyas Iyer severing their association and Iyer going into the IPL 2022 mega auction.

The deadline to submit the retention list is November 30. As per some reports, Delhi Capitals have not retained Shreyas Iyer and it is also learned that the right-handed batter is himself eager to leave the franchise as he is looking for a leadership role.

Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Akshar Patel, and Anrich Nortje are the four players that Delhi Capitals have reportedly retained.

Although there’s no official confirmation about the same, if Shreyas Iyer goes under the hammer in IPL 2022 auction he’ll likely attract a lot of buyers as few franchises will need a new captain. 

With all the reports around, former Delhi Capitals player, Irfan Pathan conjectured that "something is going on" behind-the-doors in the franchise. He said it's an opportunity for Shreyas Iyer to lead another franchise.

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"I think so (Shreyas Iyer might be looking for another challenge). He was leading the side really well, playing really well but suddenly when he came back after the injury he was not the captain. 

"So that means there is something going on which is not out there in the public. This means Rishabh Pant will continue as the captain and it's a great opportunity for Shreyas Iyer. Just go out and maybe lead another franchise,” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports. 

Notably, Shreyas Iyer was handed Delhi Capitals’ captaincy midway during the IPL 2018. He led the franchise to the playoffs for the first time since 2012 in IPL 2019 and then took his team to the final of the tournament in IPL 2020. 

Iyer’s shoulder injury ruled him out of the first phase of the IPL 2021 and in his absence, Rishabh Pant led the team and even captained the side when the right-handed batter returned to play in the UAE leg of the tournament. 

(Star Sports inputs)