Shreyas Iyer made IPL history by becoming the first-ever captain to guide three different franchises to playoff qualification. After leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) to their first playoffs in 11 years, the spotlight is finally back on Iyer—but not without controversy.
Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has come forward, openly criticizing the unfair treatment of Iyer during his time with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where credit for the title win was largely attributed to mentor Gautam Gambhir instead.
‘He Didn’t Get the Credit,’ Says Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar, speaking on Star Sports, didn’t hold back:
“He didn’t get the credit for the IPL victory last season. All the plaudits were given to someone else. It’s the captain who leads on the field, not someone in the dugout.”
This comes as a direct response to the narrative that praised Gambhir’s mentorship over Iyer’s on-field leadership in KKR’s 2024 title win. Gavaskar contrasted this with the fair credit Iyer is finally receiving for Punjab’s 2025 turnaround—where no one is sidelining his role in favor of head coach Ricky Ponting.
A Career-Defining Season for Shreyas Iyer
After being released by KKR ahead of the mega auction, PBKS bought Iyer for ₹26.75 crore, and the move paid off. Iyer delivered not only with the bat—435 runs in 12 games at a strike rate of 174.70—but also led Punjab Kings to a long-awaited playoff berth, sealed with a thrilling 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals.
His performance in IPL followed a stellar Champions Trophy campaign, where he was India’s top scorer with 405 runs, earning him the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March.
Iyer’s Legacy as a Captain Strengthens
With playoff qualifications now under his belt for Delhi Capitals, KKR, and PBKS, Iyer has established himself as one of the most reliable leaders in the league’s history. His ability to revive struggling franchises and deliver results proves that leadership on the field matters more than off-field narratives.
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