Shreyas Iyer Breaks Silence: ‘Silent Hero’ of Champions Trophy, IPL Snub & New Punjab Kings Challenge
Shreyas Iyer, one of India’s most consistent yet underrated performers, has finally opened up about the whirlwind of emotions he has faced in the last year. Despite being India’s leading run-scorer in the Champions Trophy and playing a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) title-winning campaign in IPL 2024, Iyer found himself at a crossroads. The franchise chose not to retain him, leaving many fans and cricket experts baffled. Now, as he gears up to lead Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, Iyer shares his thoughts on his journey, setbacks, and ambitions for the future.
Shreyas Iyer: The Unnoticed Champion of Indian Cricket
In the Champions Trophy 2024, Iyer was India’s standout performer, accumulating crucial runs under pressure. However, his contributions largely went unnoticed amidst the limelight shining on other star players. It was only after Indian captain Rohit Sharma publicly acknowledged him as the “silent hero” of the tournament that his efforts started gaining recognition.
Despite his stellar performances, Iyer faced a shocking setback when he was not retained by KKR. The team, owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, did bid for him in the mega auction but couldn’t match Punjab Kings’ staggering ₹26.75 crore offer. This made Iyer one of the most expensive players in IPL history, but it also left him feeling unappreciated by his former team.
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IPL 2024 Success But No Retention: Shreyas Iyer’s Reaction
Shreyas Iyer played a pivotal role in KKR’s successful IPL 2024 campaign, leading the team with composed batting performances and intelligent decision-making. Despite captaining KKR to an IPL title, he was surprisingly not retained.
Speaking about this, Iyer admitted that he was taken aback:
“Winning a title for a franchise and then not being retained—yes, it stings. But at the end of the day, cricket is a professional sport, and every franchise has its strategy. I respect that and have moved forward with a new challenge in Punjab Kings.”
His departure from KKR sparked debates among fans, with many questioning the logic behind letting go of a title-winning captain.
Punjab Kings: A Fresh Start for Iyer
Now leading Punjab Kings, Iyer is ready for a new chapter. Known for their aggressive style but inconsistency in past IPL seasons, Punjab Kings have placed their faith in Iyer’s leadership.
“It’s a new journey, a new team, and a fresh challenge. I’m excited to lead Punjab Kings and bring out the best in this talented squad. We have a strong lineup, and I believe we can make history together,” said Iyer.
With the IPL 2025 season starting on March 22, all eyes will be on Iyer as he leads Punjab Kings in search of their first-ever IPL title.
Dropped from BCCI’s Central Contract: A Setback & Comeback
Another major blow for Iyer was being dropped from BCCI’s central contract—a decision that surprised many, given his consistent performances. However, instead of letting this setback define him, Iyer bounced back in style.
He dominated domestic cricket, winning the Irani Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Ranji Trophy, proving that he remains a force to be reckoned with.
“Cricket has always been about proving yourself again and again. I took it as motivation rather than disappointment. I worked harder, scored runs, and let my bat do the talking,” Iyer reflected.
His resilience has once again put him back in the reckoning for India’s T20 and ODI squads, with selectors closely monitoring his performances in IPL 2025.
Iyer’s Captaincy: Instinctive & Fearless
When asked about his leadership approach, Iyer described his style as instinctive and fearless.
“As a captain, I trust my instincts and back my players. Cricket is a game of moments, and you need to make decisions in the heat of battle. I believe in playing positive cricket and ensuring my team enjoys the game.”
His leadership skills have been widely praised, with cricket experts comparing his tactical mindset to that of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
What’s Next for Shreyas Iyer?
With the IPL 2025 season approaching, Shreyas Iyer has a golden opportunity to prove his critics wrong. If he leads Punjab Kings to success, he could force his way back into the Indian squad, particularly for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
For now, Iyer remains focused on the present, determined to make a lasting impact with Punjab Kings and continue his journey as one of India’s most underrated cricketing gems.
FAQs
1. Why did KKR not retain Shreyas Iyer despite winning IPL 2024?
KKR had budget constraints and chose to focus on a different team composition. Despite bidding for him, Punjab Kings outbid KKR with a record ₹26.75 crore deal.
2. How did Shreyas Iyer perform in the Champions Trophy 2024?
Iyer was India’s leading run-scorer, playing crucial knocks that helped India lift the trophy. Captain Rohit Sharma even called him the “silent hero” of the tournament.
3. Why was Shreyas Iyer dropped from BCCI’s central contract?
Despite his performances, Iyer was left out due to selection policies and competition in the Indian squad. However, he proved himself in domestic cricket with multiple title wins.
4. What is Shreyas Iyer’s new IPL team?
Shreyas Iyer will be captaining Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, marking a fresh start in his IPL career.
5. Can Shreyas Iyer make a comeback to the Indian team?
Yes! A strong performance in IPL 2025 could bring Iyer back into the Indian T20 and ODI squads, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon.
Shreyas Iyer’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the hunger to succeed. With Punjab Kings, he has a chance to turn his IPL setback into a comeback story for the ages. Will he prove his doubters wrong? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—he isn’t done yet! 🏏🔥
