Shreyas Iyer, who captained the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2024, has expressed disappointment over the lack of recognition following this achievement. In a recent interview, Iyer stated, “I felt I didn’t get the recognition I wanted to after winning the IPL.”
Despite leading KKR to a dominant season—finishing atop the points table with nine wins in 12 games and securing an emphatic victory over SunRisers Hyderabad in the final—Iyer was released by the franchise ahead of the 2025 season. The Punjab Kings subsequently acquired him for ₹26.75 crore, the second-highest price in IPL history.
Reflecting on his journey, Iyer acknowledged the challenges he faced, including losing his place in the Test side and being omitted from the BCCI’s annual central contract. He noted that despite these setbacks, he remained focused on his performance, stating, “At the end of the day, the bat is always going to be in my hand & it’s upon me to perform and win trophies.”
Iyer’s leadership during the 2024 IPL season was widely praised. Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson lauded him for fostering a team environment that allowed players the freedom to excel, which was reflected in KKR’s comprehensive performances throughout the season.
Despite the perceived lack of recognition, Iyer’s resilience and commitment to the sport have been evident. His journey underscores the challenges athletes often face and the perseverance required to overcome them.
