On April 15, 2025, KKR suffered a heartbreaking 16-run loss to PBKS in New Chandigarh. Chasing a low total of 112, KKR found themselves at 72/3 and seemed to be in control. However, a catastrophic collapse saw them slump to 79/8, eventually ending their innings at 95. PBKS defended the lowest total ever in IPL history, handing KKR their most embarrassing defeat of the season.
The crushing defeat, marked by the dramatic collapse of KKR’s batting order, quickly became the talk of the IPL. However, it wasn’t just the loss that had fans up in arms—it was the growing frustration over Gautam Gambhir’s involvement with the team’s title-winning success in 2024, even though Shreyas Iyer had been the one leading KKR on the field during the campaign.
Gambhir’s Role: “Stealing Credit” from Shreyas Iyer?
While Gambhir has had a significant role in KKR’s history, both as captain in 2012 and 2014 and as team mentor in 2024, many KKR fans took to social media to accuse him of “stealing credit” for the team’s third IPL title last year. The controversy arose after KKR’s title-winning campaign, where Iyer was the captain on the field, yet Gambhir received much of the recognition.
In fact, Shreyas Iyer himself opened up about the situation, revealing that he felt he did not receive the credit he deserved for leading KKR to victory. Iyer’s leadership had been instrumental, but when KKR decided to let him go before the mega auction, he was picked up by PBKS for a hefty ₹26.7 crore.
Iyer’s Leadership at PBKS: The Turning Point
Iyer’s first match against his former team, KKR, proved to be a statement of his leadership prowess. As PBKS captain, Iyer made smart field placements and bowling changes to successfully defend a modest total of 111, showcasing his leadership skills in what was a high-pressure situation.
Iyer’s tactical brilliance was praised by PBKS leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who played a pivotal role in KKR’s downfall with impressive figures of 4/28. After the match, Chahal credited Iyer for his aggressive field settings, saying, “When I bowled the first ball, it turned, Shreyas asked me if I wanted a slip, we wanted to be attacking as we had fewer runs, and the only way we could win was by taking wickets.”
Gambhir’s Controversial Role as India Head Coach
The IPL defeat and the subsequent fan backlash are further compounded by Gambhir’s recent appointment as the head coach of the Indian national team. After Rahul Dravid stepped down following India’s T20 World Cup triumph, Gambhir’s appointment has already stirred debate among fans and experts alike. His leadership during KKR’s IPL titles, combined with his aggressive style, has earned him a devoted following, but the latest incident has left many questioning his role in KKR’s title wins and his current position in Indian cricket.
Social Media Backlash: Fans Speak Out
As news of KKR’s defeat spread, Gambhir became one of the top trends on social media, with fans criticizing him for “stealing credit” from Iyer. Many expressed their disappointment over how the recognition for KKR’s 2024 title was skewed, and they accused Gambhir of overshadowing Iyer’s leadership contributions.
Fans’ frustrations only intensified after KKR’s dismal performance in IPL 2025, with many calling out Gambhir’s influence on the team during the title-winning year. While Gambhir’s legacy as a player and mentor remains strong, this incident has reignited the debate about his true role in KKR’s success and the ongoing perception of him as the “credit-stealer.”
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