Punjab Kings (PBKS) Newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer recently highlighted his surprising departure from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) though he led the team to their third IPL title in 2024. The move left fans and cricket pundits stunned, especially since Iyer was instrumental in ending KKR's decade-long title drought.
Shreyas joined KKR in 2022, initially impressed with his batting but struggling with leadership. After sitting out the 2023 season due to injury, he made a strong comeback in 2024, guiding the team to IPL glory. However, in rare cases, KKR decided to retire from Mumbai in the 2025 season, leaving him to enter the big market of the IPL, when he was snapped up by a franchise from Punjab for a record-breaking fee of ₹ 26.75 crore.
The lack of communication surprised Shreyas Iyer
Speaking at the Idea Exchange, Iyer admitted that he was baffled by KKR's decision and lack of contact with the franchise. Although he managed to do this, he did not leave him until a week before he was to be booked.
“Winning the tournament against KKR was amazing. The fans were electrifying, and my time there was special. But after the title win, there was a long gap without any real discussion about retention. That lack of communication confused me. In the end, we decided to give up, “ Iyer explained.
Iyer also expressed frustration with the way things turned out, highlighting that better communication could have changed the situation. “When you find out about such a big election just a week before the deadline for filing, it shows that something is missing. It was frustrating, but I had to make a decision, and it seems to have worked out,” he said.
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Towards new horizons
After KKR's silence on the retention, Iyer realized that the franchise would no longer see him in their sights. Although the ambiguity was frustrating, he chose to focus on the positives and embrace his next opportunity.
“I thought that if KKR wanted me, they would have started talking to them earlier. But things didn't work out that way. Although I was disappointed, I am happy when I remember the time I spent there. Winning the tournament was a defining moment in my life,” Iyer added.
A new start with Punjab Kings
The 2025 season brings a new chapter for Iyer as he takes on the leadership role Kings of the Punjab. With the franchise investing heavily in him, expectations are high for the striker to deliver as a leader and player.
Punjab's acquisition of Iyer is seen as a good way to rebuild the team with a strong leader at the helm. Iyer's tournament win makes him a vital player in the side.
As Iyer transitions into his new role, fans and cricket enthusiasts will be interested to see how he leads PBKS and whether he can replicate his success from KKR. Meanwhile, Iyer has continued, leaving behind success and chaos in his KKR tour.