Why Shreyas Iyer Left KKR? Punjab Kings New Captain Opens Up Ahead Of IPL 2025
Shreyas Iyer, one of India’s most dependable batters and a former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, recently shed light on his surprising departure from the franchise. The cricketing world was abuzz when KKR chose not to retain Iyer despite his pivotal role in their IPL 2024 triumph. Speaking to The Indian Express at the Idea Exchange, Iyer cited “lack of communication” as the primary reason for the split, leaving fans and analysts perplexed.
After leading KKR to their first IPL title in a decade, Shreyas Iyer’s release ahead of the IPL 2025 auction shocked the cricketing fraternity. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic brilliance, Iyer had been instrumental in turning around KKR’s fortunes, especially under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir.
Despite his heroics in IPL 2024, Iyer was left in the dark for months regarding retention talks. He expressed his disappointment, saying:
“We had a conversation straight after the IPL championship, and I was optimistic about staying. But for months, there was no concrete discussion. It was only a week before the retention deadline that I realized where things were heading. That lack of communication was frustrating.”
This situation mirrors the fate of former KKR skipper Eoin Morgan, who was released despite leading the franchise to the IPL 2021 final.
While the release from KKR was a bitter pill to swallow, Iyer’s value in the IPL ecosystem was never in question. At the 2025 auction held in Jeddah, the Punjab Kings secured his services for an eye-popping INR 26.75 crore. The record, however, was short-lived, as Rishabh Pant surpassed it with a INR 27 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants.
“I was in Hyderabad watching the auction. The competition for me exceeded my expectations. At one point, I shut the door and avoided listening—it was overwhelming but thrilling.”
This monumental bid underscores Iyer’s impact on and off the field, positioning him as a cornerstone for Punjab Kings’ upcoming campaign.
Beyond his team dynamics, Iyer shared insights on the IPL’s impact player rule, introduced in 2023. While the rule has redefined strategies, it has also sparked debates about its implications for all-rounders.
“The rule has shifted the mindset of batters. Now, players can go big from ball one without fear of jeopardizing team depth. It’s a confidence booster,” Iyer stated.
However, he also noted its drawbacks:
“It’s taking the all-rounder aspect out of the game. Teams need to be resourceful, and the strategy becomes more crucial than ever. Coaches and captains now have to make split-second decisions to maximize the rule’s benefits.”
Iyer’s analysis highlights the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where adaptability and innovation are paramount.
While KKR’s decision to release Iyer has opened doors for Punjab Kings, it raises questions about their long-term planning. The lack of communication not only alienated a proven leader but also disrupted the continuity that had brought them success in IPL 2024.
For Iyer, however, this chapter is closed. His focus now shifts to Punjab Kings, where he will aim to replicate his winning formula and cement his legacy as one of the IPL’s greatest leaders.
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