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"If I Get Respect...": Shreyas Iyer Clears The Air On KKR Exit After IPL 2024 Win

Soumyajit Dutta

Shreyas Iyer with Gambhir and Chandrakant Pandit [Source: PTI]Shreyas Iyer with Gambhir and Chandrakant Pandit [Source: PTI]

Shreyas Iyer, the celebrated Punjab Kings skipper and KKR's IPL-winning captain, has been in the talks for quite some time now because of his recent Asia Cup snub and his appointment as India A skipper for the Australia series later this month.

Shreyas Iyer, who has been in decent touch in the IPL, had a dismal outing in the Duleep Trophy, accumulating only 37 runs across his two innings in the semi-final. However, regardless of his batting form, the batter has raised concerns over his treatment in the KKR camp during his 2024 days.

Shreyas Iyer Breaks Silence On PBKS Switch

Shreyas Iyer lifted the trophy for KKR back in 2024 while guiding the team as captain and left the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise as Punjab Kings bid for him in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Speaking in an interview with GQ, Iyer broke his silence on the reason why he left KKR, subtly hinting that KKR didn't 'respect' him.

"I offer a lot as a captain and player. If I get respect, anything can be accomplished. This is what happened at Punjab. They gave me all the support I needed, whether it was the coaches, management or players. I was coming off a high, having just helped India win the Champions Trophy. So all the stakeholders at Punjab Kings were eager to hear from me and have me contribute meaningfully," Iyer remarked.

Iyer stressed that the support from Punjab's management helped him to lead better on the field, which was not the case under Gautam Gambhir-mentored KKR.

"This allowed me to be decisive both on and off the field. I was in every meeting with the management and coaches, contributing strategically. This is something I love!" Iyer added.

Was There A Gambhir-Shreyas Rift?

Further, Iyer shared that he loves leading Punjab and playing there, as he wasn't completely involved with the think tank in KKR, which was led by coach Gambhir.

"I was part of the conversation but wasn't completely in the mix. I've had to work my way up to get to the position I am in now," Iyer revealed.

While it leaves question marks on whether it was the Gambhir-Shreyas rift which led to the switch or a general unhappiness and discontent for Shreyas with KKR, it is certain that Iyer enjoyed his time in the PBKS camp, as he led the team to their second finale in the IPL.