Punjab Kings' (PBKS) newly-appointed captain Shreyas Iyer recently shed light on his surprising departure from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite leading the team to their third IPL title in 2024. The move left fans and cricketing experts puzzled, especially as Iyer had played a key role in ending KKR’s decade-long title drought.
Shreyas joined KKR in 2022, initially impressing with his batting but struggling with leadership. After sitting out the 2023 season due to injury, he returned stronger in 2024, guiding the team to IPL glory. However, in a surprising turn of events, KKR decided not to retain the Mumbai batter for the 2025 season, leaving him to enter the IPL mega auction, where he was snapped up by the Punjab-based franchise for a record-breaking ₹26.75 crore.
Speaking at Idea Exchange, Iyer admitted he was baffled by KKR’s decision and the lack of communication from the franchise. Despite his achievements, he was left in the dark until just a week before the retention deadline.
“Winning the championship with KKR was a phenomenal experience. The fans were electrifying, and my time there was special. But after the title win, there was a long gap with no concrete discussions about retention. That lack of communication left me perplexed. Ultimately, we mutually decided to part ways,” Iyer explained.
Iyer also expressed disappointment at the way the situation unfolded, highlighting that clear communication could have changed things. “When you find out about such a big decision just a week before the retention deadline, it shows something is missing. It was disappointing, but I had to make a decision, and it seems to have worked out for the best,” he said.
After KKR’s silence on retention, Iyer realized the franchise might no longer see him in their plans. While the lack of clarity was frustrating, he chose to focus on the positives and embrace his next opportunity.
“I assumed that if KKR wanted me, they would have initiated discussions earlier. But things didn’t work out that way. Despite the disappointment, I look back fondly on my time there. Winning the championship was a defining moment in my life,” Iyer added.
The 2025 season brings a new chapter for Iyer as he takes on the leadership role at Punjab Kings. With the franchise heavily investing in him, expectations are high for the seasoned batter to deliver both as a leader and player.
Punjab’s acquisition of Iyer is being seen as a strategic move to rebuild the team with a strong leader at the helm. Iyer’s championship-winning experience makes him a valuable addition to the side.
As Iyer transitions to his new role, fans and cricket enthusiasts will be keen to see how he leads PBKS and whether he can replicate his success from KKR. For now, Iyer has firmly moved on, leaving behind both the triumphs and turbulence of his KKR journey.
