With the IPL 2025 impending, last season's champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to repeat when the tournament returns. Their previous captain, though, has brought controversy surrounding his departure from the franchise into the spotlight with his explosive remarks. Only 11 days before the competition gets underway, Iyer has complained about being undervalued after guiding KKR to victory in 2024. Shreyas Iyer returned home to discover himself outside the KKR framework. During an interview with an Indian publication, he expressed his work was ignored.

"I didn't receive the respect that I deserved after becoming the IPL champion. At least that's the way I felt. It doesn't feel good when nobody gives you importance, even after being true to yourself and performing your job well," Iyer said.

He went on to say that winning the IPL was his sole concern last season, and though he accomplished that, he didn't feel valued in the franchise.

"My primary intention was to win the IPL. With God's grace, I won the trophy. But I did not receive the respect I deserved in the team," he disclosed.

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KKR's Decision to Move On

Although he led KKR to their third IPL trophy, the team decided not to retain Iyer for the 2025 campaign. Even at the auction, there was no significant interest shown by KKR to bring him back. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, pounced, signing up Iyer for a record-breaking INR 26.75 crore—one of the highest sums ever paid at an IPL auction. He will now lead Punjab Kings, seeking to repeat the same success as he had at KKR.

A New Beginning with Punjab Kings

Although Iyer's departure from KKR was a little sad, he now has a new challenge. Captaining Punjab Kings provides him with a new chance to showcase his skills again, both as a captain and as an integral player. With IPL 2025 to kick off on March 22, everyone will be watching Iyer as he starts this new journey of his life.

Will Punjab Kings gain from Iyer's leadership as KKR gained from it last season? Only time will tell, but this is one thing that is for sure Shreyas Iyer is set to make his mark once again.