"Sometimes, the hard work goes unnoticed."
That’s the message Shreyas Iyer has for his former team, Kolkata Knight Riders.
Despite leading KKR to IPL glory in 2024, Iyer found himself unretained ahead of the mega-auction. The decision shocked many, but Iyer didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he turned the setback into motivation. And now, with Punjab Kings spending a record-breaking ₹26.75 crore to make him their new captain, Iyer has sent a subtle yet pointed message to his old franchise.
In a recent media interaction, Iyer admitted that his contributions to KKR’s championship win were overlooked. His leadership, resilience, and match-winning performances seemed to fade in the background as the franchise moved on without him.
But here’s the twist—letting go of Iyer didn’t slow him down. Instead, he bounced back stronger. Post-KKR, Iyer steered Mumbai to domestic dominance, proving his captaincy credentials once again. Then, on the international stage, he played a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy victory, solidifying his status as a big-match player.
Now, as he steps into a new era with Punjab Kings under Ricky Ponting’s mentorship, Iyer is ready to rewrite his IPL story. He’s no longer part of KKR’s plans, but he’s not looking back—he’s looking forward to proving that a king without a crown is still a king.
The Punjab Kings, desperate for a turnaround after years of inconsistency, have placed their faith in Iyer’s leadership. With a fresh start and a record deal, he has the perfect stage to silence his doubters and show KKR exactly what they lost.
IPL 2025 just got a whole lot more interesting.
