Sunil Gavaskar’s Take on Kolkata Knight Riders Overlooking Shreyas Iyer Despite His Leadership Success

Shreyas Iyer has been one of the most promising young cricketers and captains in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, his leadership qualities and consistent performances have earned him respect from players, experts, and fans alike. However, a recent development involving his role with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has drawn criticism from the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar has expressed concern over KKR’s decision to overlook Iyer despite his success as a captain.

In this article, we will explore Shreyas Iyer’s leadership journey, the controversy surrounding his departure from KKR, and why his role continues to be important in the IPL. For regular IPL updates and news like this, visit IPL.

Shreyas Iyer’s Leadership Journey in the IPL

Shreyas Iyer first rose to prominence as the captain of Delhi Capitals. Under his leadership, Delhi Capitals reached the IPL final for the first time in 2020. This was a significant achievement considering the team had struggled in previous seasons. Iyer’s calm demeanor, tactical awareness, and ability to motivate his teammates stood out.

Later, in 2023, Iyer joined Kolkata Knight Riders. The team had been looking to rebuild, and Iyer was seen as the perfect fit to lead them forward. His leadership style, which focuses on teamwork and leading by example, helped KKR achieve great results.

In the 2024 IPL season, Shreyas Iyer captained KKR to the top of the league stage, winning 9 out of 12 matches. Under his guidance, KKR secured the IPL title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. This success was widely appreciated by fans and cricket experts alike.

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The Controversy: Why Sunil Gavaskar Criticized KKR’s Decision

Despite Iyer’s success and clear contribution to the team’s title win, KKR made a surprising decision not to retain him for the 2025 IPL season. Instead, the franchise appointed Gautam Gambhir, a former captain and player of KKR, as the team’s mentor. Many felt that the credit for KKR’s success was being shifted more towards Gambhir than Iyer.

Sunil Gavaskar, who has been a respected voice in Indian cricket for decades, voiced his disappointment. He said that leadership on the field is as crucial as any mentoring done off the field. According to Gavaskar, the captain who takes on responsibility during matches should be recognised for their efforts.

Gavaskar remarked that giving the majority of the credit to someone sitting in the dugout rather than to Iyer was unfair. His statement sparked discussions among cricket fans and analysts about the importance of acknowledging player contributions in leadership roles.

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Shreyas Iyer’s New Chapter with Punjab Kings

Following his release from KKR, Shreyas Iyer was picked up by Punjab Kings in the 2025 IPL auction for a substantial amount of ₹26.75 crore. This strong vote of confidence from another franchise demonstrated that Iyer’s leadership skills and cricketing abilities were still highly valued.

Taking on the captaincy for Punjab Kings, Iyer helped the team reach the playoffs after an 11-year gap. His ability to lead the team and perform under pressure once again proved his qualities as a dependable IPL captain.

Punjab Kings’ fans have welcomed him with great enthusiasm, and his role in shaping the team’s performance is closely watched by cricket followers.

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Why Leadership Recognition Matters in the IPL?

Cricket is a team sport, but leadership plays a vital role in determining the outcome of matches and tournaments. The captain is responsible for decision-making on the field, motivating players, and setting an example. When a captain like Shreyas Iyer leads his team to victory, recognising his contribution is important for several reasons:

• Motivation for Players: Acknowledging leadership success encourages players to take responsibility and lead with confidence.
• Team Stability: Leadership continuity often helps maintain team balance and strategy.
• Fair Credit Distribution: While mentors and coaches play their roles, the captain’s influence during matches cannot be overlooked.

The situation with KKR and Iyer serves as a reminder to IPL franchises to balance recognition between on-field and off-field roles.

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Final Thoughts

Shreyas Iyer’s story in the IPL is a testament to the value of leadership, resilience, and skill. Despite facing setbacks, including being overlooked by KKR after leading them to an IPL title, he has proven his worth by captaining Punjab Kings to success.

Sunil Gavaskar’s comments highlight an important issue in sports — giving credit where it is due. While teams must respect mentors and coaches, the role of captains on the field remains crucial and deserves equal appreciation.

As the IPL continues to grow in popularity, fans and teams alike will benefit from recognising the efforts of leaders like Shreyas Iyer.

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