Did Gautam Gambhir Take the Credit for KKR’s IPL 2024 Win and Sideline Shreyas Iyer?
Winning the IPL is a dream for every cricketer, and when a captain leads his team to that glory, it becomes a moment of a lifetime. Shreyas Iyer did exactly that in IPL 2024, guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title.
Naturally, fans expected he’d be rewarded with a long-term spot. But to everyone’s shock, he wasn’t retained ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. This left many wondering, how can a title-winning captain be dropped just like that? Soon, fingers pointed at Gautam Gambhir, KKR’s mentor, with fans accusing him of sidelining Iyer and taking the credit for the triumph. The move stirred a lot of criticism online. But the real question remains that why did the franchise make such a bold call? Shreyas Iyer himself finally spoke up about the decision, shedding light on the unexpected twist.
Was Shreyas Iyer Keen to be Retained by KKR?
Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the most followed franchises in the IPL, won their titles in 2012 and 2014. But after those glory years, their performances started dipping. Although they made a surprise run to the finals in 2021 under Eoin Morgan, the heartbreaking loss led the KKR management to reshuffle their entire setup. During the mega auction that followed, they invested heavily and bought Shreyas Iyer for a whopping INR 12.25 crore, immediately naming him captain.
However, the 2022 season didn’t go as planned. KKR finished seventh in the points table, and it was clear the team needed time to build a strong core. In 2023, Shreyas Iyer missed the season due to injury, but he returned in 2024 with a point to prove, and he delivered. With Gautam Gambhir returning as mentor and Iyer leading from the front, KKR built a strong unit and lifted their third IPL title, their first in a decade. Naturally, fans and experts expected Shreyas to be retained, but what followed was unexpected. Speaking after his exit, Iyer shared that while he was initially in touch with the franchise post-victory, communication slowly faded.
Certainly, I had a fantastic time winning the championship at KKR. The fan following was outstanding, they were electrifying in the stadium and I loved every moment I spent there. So obviously, we had a conversation straight after the IPL championship. But for a few months, there was a layover and no concrete effort in having a retention talk. I was perplexed about what’s happening. So, because of a lack of communication, we came to a situation where we parted ways, mutually. And that’s the long and short of it. Yes, obviously disappointed, because when you don’t have a certain line of communication and if you get to know things one week prior to the retention date, then obviously something is lacking over there. So I had to take a call. Whatever is written is supposed to happen.
Shockingly, he was only informed about not being retained just a week before the IPL 2025 auction. For a captain who delivered a title, being sidelined this way came as a massive blow, not just to him, but to fans who believed he would be KKR’s future, and hence it was a massive news for everyone.
Did Shreyas Iyer Indirectly Accuse the KKR Management of Ignoring His Contributions?
With the end of the IPL 2024, KKR got a fairytale finish, clinching their third IPL title under the calm and composed leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Despite the massive achievement, it was surprising to see that Iyer, the captain who guided the team to glory, didn’t receive the kind of respect or appreciation that such a performance would normally attract. While most would expect accolades, praise, or at least a secure place in the squad after delivering a title, Iyer was instead met with silence. He said:
Frustration toh nahi tha because I was playing IPL. The major focus was to win the IPL, and thankfully, I won it. I personally felt I didn’t get the recognition I wanted to after winning the IPL but at the end of the day, as long as you have self integrity and you keep doing the right things when no one is watching, that is more important and that is what I kept doing.
Iyer admitted that while he didn’t allow frustration to take over, the lack of recognition was definitely felt. He opened up about how sometimes his contributions go unnoticed, despite the tough situations he navigated through the season. Many of the matches weren’t played on easy wickets, and scoring runs or rotating the strike was a challenge. But Iyer stayed composed, taking responsibility in crucial moments, often shifting the momentum with a couple of well-timed sixes.
When I talk about recognition, it’s about getting that respect. It was about the respect for whatever efforts I put on the field. I think sometimes it gets unnoticed but extremely satisfied with the efforts I put in because they weren’t easy wickets to bat on. It wasn’t easy to take singles, especially when the bowlers were bowling so tight. I just had the belief in myself that once I get two sixes here or there, I can change the momentum towards our side. Luckily, I got them at crucial times.
His calm mindset and belief in himself helped his team across the finish line. Even after delivering a championship, the lack of acknowledgment clearly struck a chord with Iyer. Still, he remains focused on staying grounded, proud of his contributions, and optimistic about the future. Moreover, with the new franchise in the IPL 2025, his main aim has to be the best player for the team.
What Lies Ahead for Shreyas Iyer with Punjab Kings?
With the IPL Auction happening in early 2025, all eyes were on which franchise would land the biggest names, and Punjab Kings made the biggest splash by signing Shreyas Iyer for a whopping ₹26.75 crore. The franchise had entered the auction with the largest purse, and their top priority was to find a reliable, proven leader who could guide the team with experience and confidence. Iyer, being one of only eight captains to have won the IPL, ticked all the boxes. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024 and had earlier captained Delhi Capitals to the IPL 2020 final. His success and calm leadership made him a prime target.
The bidding war for Iyer saw intense competition between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. At one point during the auction, Shreyas was watching the event unfold from his hotel room in Hyderabad. He expected good money but didn’t anticipate the drama and huge numbers. Overwhelmed by the tension, he momentarily stepped away from the screen to take a breather. He said:
During the auction, we were in Hyderabad, watching it from our rooms and I was expecting a good amount. But I never thought that I would exceed a point and there would be so much competition between two teams over me. Overall, I was thrilled. After a certain point, I shut the door, went into the washroom and I was like, I don’t want to listen to what’s happening.
Although Iyer briefly held the record for the most expensive IPL player ever, that title quickly shifted to Rishabh Pant, who was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore. Nonetheless, Iyer’s signing created a massive buzz, and his price tag reflected the faith PBKS had in his leadership and batting prowess. The reunion with coach Ricky Ponting, who had earlier worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals, added to the excitement. Their partnership at DC saw consistent playoff appearances and included a memorable run to the final in 2020. With Ponting as head coach again, Punjab Kings are hoping the duo can reignite that magic and finally deliver the franchise their first IPL trophy. On this, he added:
I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with coach [Ricky] Ponting. The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title.
This will be Shreyas Iyer’s third team in the IPL, following his stints at Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. He made his debut in 2015 with DC and was handed captaincy duties mid-season in 2018. Under his captaincy, Delhi reached new heights, making three successive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021.
Apart from IPL success, Iyer has also been in top domestic form. Recently, he led Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and ended up as the fourth-highest run-scorer of the tournament. He smashed 345 runs in nine innings, including a century, at a stunning strike rate of 188.52 and an average of over 49, solid numbers that further prove his strong form heading into IPL 2025.
All in all, Punjab Kings have invested not just in a top batter but a strong, tactical leader. The management is counting on Iyer’s experience and recent form to lift the team’s fortunes. With a balanced mix of leadership, form, and the right coach by his side, Shreyas Iyer might be the game-changer PBKS have long been searching for.
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