As the IPL 2025 season kicked off with the opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), InsideSport took to the streets of Kolkata to gauge fans’ opinions on a hot topic: Was Shreyas Iyer treated fairly by KKR after leading them to an IPL title in 2024?
Out of 15 fans interviewed, 14 expressed disappointment, believing that KKR did not do justice to Iyer by releasing him despite his leadership in securing the franchise’s third IPL trophy. The overwhelming sentiment was that Iyer deserved more recognition and respect for his contribution.
Shreyas Iyer finds new home in PBKS
Shreyas Iyer had a rollercoaster year in 2024. Leading KKR to their first IPL title in a decade, Iyer scored 351 runs in 15 matches and played a crucial role in the team’s triumph. Alongside the then-mentor Gautam Gambhir, Iyer led his troops quote magnificently.
However, despite this success, KKR opted not to retain him, a decision that shocked many. In an interview with the Times of India, Iyer subtly expressed his disappointment, stating, “I personally felt I didn’t get the recognition I wanted after winning the IPL.”
This wasn’t the first setback for Iyer. After the 2023 ODI World Cup, he was dropped from the Indian team and removed from BCCI’s central contract list. However, instead of letting these challenges break him, Iyer dominated domestic cricket, proving his worth with stellar performances in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. At the ICC Champions Trophy, he was one of the best batters too!
Iyer’s superb numbers paid off when he became the second-most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction, bought for Rs 26.75 crore by Punjab Kings. In the first match itself, Iyer let his bat do the talking as he clubbed a century-worthy 97*. He kept the team first, denying his yearn to hit maiden IPL century!
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