Gavaskar Backs Iyer and Questions Gambhir’s Credit for KKR’s IPL 2024 Win
Sunil Gavaskar praised Shreyas Iyer for leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 playoffs, making him the first to captain three teams to knockouts. He criticized Gautam Gambhir for taking credit for KKR's 2024 title. Iyer has scored 435 runs at a 174.70 strike rate this season, with a best of 87\*.
When the Punjab Kings secured a playoff berth in IPL 2025, it marked a historic feat for their captain Shreyas Iyer, who became the first skipper to guide three different franchises — Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now PBKS — to the IPL knockouts. Despite this remarkable achievement, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar used the occasion to take a subtle dig at current India head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Time to give credit where it’s due! 🙌
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) May 19, 2025
Sunil Gavaskar shuts down the dugout hype and puts the spotlight firmly on PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer. 🌟#IPL2025 #PunjabKings #ShreyasIyer pic.twitter.com/ZpUjxeCMll
Gavaskar, speaking on Star Sports, highlighted that Iyer didn’t get due recognition for leading KKR to the 2024 IPL title, as most of the praise was directed at then-mentor Gambhir. “It’s the captain in the middle making key decisions, not someone in the dugout”, Gavaskar remarked, noting how this year, Iyer is finally getting the credit he deserves, with no such distraction from Ricky Ponting, PBKS’s current mentor.
Iyer’s leadership has paid off handsomely for Punjab Kings, who reached the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. He has also had a stellar season with the bat, scoring 435 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 174.70, including a top score of 87*. PBKS spent Rs 26.75 crore in the mega auction to bring Iyer on board — an investment that has delivered results.
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