A Successful Run Ends Abruptly
Shreyas Iyer’s departure from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has left fans shocked and puzzled. The star batter, who guided KKR to their first IPL title in a decade during the 2024 season, was released by the franchise ahead of the mega auction last November. Iyer, now with Punjab Kings for a record-breaking INR 26.75 crore, has finally opened up about what led to his unexpected exit, attributing it to a “lack of communication.”
From Championship Glory to Uncertainty
Iyer’s stint with KKR was nothing short of remarkable. After missing the 2023 IPL season due to a back injury, he returned in 2024 to lead the team to their third championship title alongside mentor Gautam Gambhir. However, despite his contributions, the retention process post-season lacked clarity. Iyer revealed that KKR had initiated retention talks immediately after their title win, but no follow-ups or concrete efforts were made in the months that followed.
“I had a fantastic time at KKR. Winning the championship and experiencing the electrifying fan support was incredible. But after the initial conversation post-season, there was no concrete effort or clarity, which left me perplexed,” Iyer explained.
Disappointment Over Delayed Communication
The batter expressed frustration about KKR’s delayed communication, which came just a week before the retention deadline. This lack of transparency made it difficult for Iyer to stay with the franchise.
“Yes, it was disappointing. When there’s no proper communication and you hear things only a week before the deadline, it raises concerns. In the end, we parted ways mutually,” Iyer added.
Punjab Kings Break the Bank for Iyer
During the mega auction, Iyer’s fortunes took a dramatic turn as Punjab Kings secured him for an unprecedented INR 26.75 crore. Although this made him the costliest player briefly, his record was soon surpassed by Rishabh Pant, who signed a deal worth INR 27 crore with Lucknow Super Giants.
Reflecting on the auction, Iyer said, “I was expecting a good amount, but the fierce competition between teams exceeded my expectations. At one point, I just shut the door and stopped watching because it was overwhelming.”
Moving Forward with Optimism
Despite the bittersweet ending with KKR, Iyer remains focused on his future with Punjab Kings. With his experience and leadership, he aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming IPL season.
As IPL fans gear up for another exciting season, all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer and his journey with Punjab Kings, a new chapter in his illustrious career.(online casino)