Shreyas Iyer takes a dig at Kolkata Knight Riders for not treating him fairly
Team India batter Shreyas Iyer has expressed his disappointment over not getting enough recognition for leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in IPL 2024. The 30-year-old guided KKR to a dominant season, helping them win their third IPL title.
However, despite his success, KKR did not retain Iyer ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Instead, Punjab Kings (PBKS) bought him for ₹26.75 crores, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history.
Iyer on Feeling Undervalued
After helping India win the 2025 Champions Trophy, Iyer spoke to Times of India about his feelings. He admitted he felt disappointed after not getting enough credit for winning IPL 2024.
“I felt that I didn’t receive the recognition I deserved after winning the IPL. However, what truly matters is self-integrity. Staying true to your values and doing the right things even when no one is watching is more important”, Iyer said.
Iyer also revealed that the IPL helped him move past other disappointments. He lost his place in the Test team and was not given a central contract by BCCI.
“I didn’t feel frustrated since I was playing in the IPL. My main goal was to win the tournament, and fortunately, I achieved that”, he said.
Iyer’s Hard Work Paid Off in Champions Trophy
Iyer was also happy that his hard work after the 2023 ODI World Cup paid off. He was India’s top run-scorer in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He scored 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60 and a strike rate close to 80.
“It has been a learning experience. After losing my contract, I took time to evaluate myself. I identified my mistakes and areas for improvement. I dedicated my efforts to fitness and training”, he added.
Iyer also played domestic cricket to improve his game. “Fitness played a crucial role for me,” he added. “I understood its importance when I voiced my concerns earlier in the year.”
Iyer has been named captain of PBKS for IPL 2025. He will lead the team in their first match against Gujarat Titans on March 25 in Ahmedabad.
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