KKR skip mention of Shreyas Iyer in one-year IPL title anniversary tribute

The then KKR captain Shreyas Iyer seen celebrating the fall of a wicket with teammates (Photo: AFP)

Monday marked the first anniversary of Kolkata Knight Riders' glorious triumph in IPL 2024, a season that culminated in the franchise lifting their third title.

KKR dominated the tournament from start to finish and sealed the championship with a comprehensive victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in a lopsided final. It was a campaign marked by collective excellence, with contributions from all departments propelling the team to IPL glory.

To honour the milestone, KKR posted a celebratory message on their social media platforms, featuring a photograph of the squad posing proudly with the coveted trophy. However, what caught the attention of many fans and critics was the conspicuous absence of Shreyas Iyer from the commemorative image. Iyer, who captained the side to the title, was a central figure in KKR's successful campaign. His exclusion from the tribute sparked a wave of backlash, with many calling out the franchise for failing to acknowledge the leadership and efforts of a captain who played an instrumental role in their championship run.

Notably, other players who were released after the 2024 season, including high-profile names like Mitchell Starc and Phil Salt, were also missing from the visual tribute. Still, Iyer's absence stood out due to the pivotal role he played, both tactically and emotionally, in galvanising the squad throughout the tournament.

While players such as Andre Russell and Sunil Narine were rightly lauded for their match-winning performances, Iyer's leadership remained the silent anchor of KKR's campaign. With a calm demeanor and sharp cricketing acumen, he ensured the team stayed focused and consistent across high-pressure fixtures.

Despite his championship-winning stint, Iyer's association with KKR was cut short ahead of the 2025 mega auction. The franchise opted not to retain him, a move that raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity. According to reports, the fallout stemmed from disagreements over a proposed pay raise. Following the title win, Iyer is believed to have sought an increase in remuneration, which reportedly did not align with KKR's plans. Although the franchise did offer a revised deal, Iyer declined, resulting in his release.

Sensing a golden opportunity, Punjab Kings acted swiftly to secure the services of the seasoned leader. Not only did they bring him into their squad, but they also entrusted him with the captaincy. Iyer repaid the faith shown in him by leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 playoffs.