KKR IPL 2025 | Shreyas Iyer Opens Up on Lack of Recognition After Leading KKR to IPL Glory

Shreyas Iyer Reflects on Champions Trophy Triumph and Lack of Recognition After IPL 2024 Win

Shreyas Iyer has experienced the highs and lows of professional cricket in the past year. From being omitted from BCCI’s central contracts to leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title and now playing a crucial role in India's victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, his journey has been nothing short of dramatic.

After helping India lift the Champions Trophy with vital contributions throughout the tournament, Iyer admitted that he still feels his efforts in the IPL did not receive the recognition they deserved. Despite leading KKR to glory, the franchise did not retain him, and he now finds himself as Punjab Kings' new captain after being bought for a staggering INR 26.75 crore in the mega auction.

A Turning Point in Shreyas Iyer’s Career

Iyer’s performance in the Champions Trophy was a testament to his consistency and resilience. Scoring 243 runs in five matches, he provided stability in the middle order, with a crucial 79-run knock against New Zealand in the group stage standing out. Even in the final against the Kiwis, when India lost key wickets early, it was Iyer who anchored the innings and ensured the team remained in control.

Reflecting on his journey, Iyer acknowledged the struggles he faced after being dropped from India’s central contracts. “The last few months have been extremely satisfying. After the 2023 ODI World Cup, I reassessed my game, identified areas where I needed to improve, and worked on my fitness. I created a routine and focused on my training and skills,” Iyer told Times of India.

IPL 2024 Success and the Lack of Recognition

Iyer’s leadership played a pivotal role in KKR’s IPL 2024 title-winning campaign. However, despite his efforts, he wasn’t retained by the franchise, something he believes went unnoticed.

“When I talk about recognition, it’s about getting the respect for the effort I put in on the field. I think sometimes it goes unnoticed, but I am extremely satisfied with my performances. The wickets weren’t easy to bat on, and taking singles was difficult against tight bowling. But I always believed that if I could hit a couple of sixes at crucial moments, the momentum would shift,” he explained.

The disappointment of not being retained was quickly replaced by the excitement of a fresh start with Punjab Kings, who made him their new captain. With an eye on the future, Iyer is determined to prove his worth once again in the upcoming IPL season.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Focused

Despite his frustrations, Iyer remains focused on his goals and refuses to let external factors affect his mindset. “Frustration wasn’t really there because I was playing in the IPL. My major focus was to win the IPL, and thankfully, I achieved that. I personally felt I didn’t get the recognition I wanted after winning, but at the end of the day, self-integrity and doing the right things when no one is watching are what truly matter,” he said.

Iyer’s ability to handle setbacks and continue working hard has been instrumental in his resurgence. His performances in domestic cricket also played a crucial role in helping him regain confidence and refine his game.

“Playing continuous matches in domestic cricket helped me realize the importance of fitness. At the start of the year, I raised my concerns, and from there, I worked tirelessly on my game and overall fitness. I am happy with the way I handled the situation and, most importantly, believed in myself,” he added.

Looking Ahead: A Fresh Chapter with Punjab Kings

With the IPL 2025 season on the horizon, Iyer is set to embark on a new journey with Punjab Kings. The franchise, which has struggled for consistency over the years, has placed its trust in Iyer’s leadership to turn their fortunes around.

For Iyer, this is another opportunity to silence his critics and prove his worth on the biggest stage once again. His ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver match-winning performances makes him an invaluable asset to any team.

A Star on the Rise

Shreyas Iyer’s journey has been a roller-coaster, but his ability to bounce back stronger each time is what sets him apart. From leading KKR to an IPL title to standing tall for India in the Champions Trophy, he has shown that he belongs at the highest level.

With the IPL ahead and a potential long-term future with the Indian team, Iyer is determined to make every opportunity count. His story is one of resilience, hard work, and self-belief qualities that continue to define his career.