Image: Gavaskar praises Iyer questions Gambhirs KKR credit claim / © Moneycontrol
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.
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.