Shreyas Iyer Opens Up About Why He Parted Ways with Kolkata Knight Riders
The Indian star batter Shreyas Iyer had an impressive IPL season in 2024. Shreyas Iyer led the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the IPL 2024 with his excellent captaincy and this is their third victory in IPL finals. But surprisingly, the KKR didn't retain the Shreyas Iyer for the IPL 2025.
This decision shocked many cricket fans, and also Iyer was very upset. He mentioned that there was no clear communication from the franchise about his retention, which made it impossible for both sides to come to an aggreement
According to the reports from Indian Express, Shreyas Iyer said “Certainly, I had a fantastic time winning the championship at KKR. The fan following was outstanding; they were electrifying in the stadium, and I loved every moment I spent there. So obviously, we had a conversation (about retention) straight after the IPL championship. But for a few months, there was a layover and no concrete effort in having a retention talk. I was perplexed about what was happening. So, because of a lack of communication, we came to a situation where we parted ways mutually. And that’s the long and short of it,"
When the Indian Express reporter asked about his release from KKR, Iyer said “Yes, obviously disappointed, because when you don’t have a certain line of communication and if you get to know things one week prior to the retention date, then obviously something is lacking over there. So, I had to take a call. Whatever is written is supposed to happen,"
Shreyas Iyer's IPL Price Evolution Over the Years
| Year | Franchise | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Punjab Kings | ₹26.75 crore |
| 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | ₹12.25 crore |
| 2023 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | ₹12.25 crore |
| 2022 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | ₹12.25 crore |
| 2021 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | ₹7 crore |
| 2020 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | ₹7 crore |
| 2019 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | ₹7 crore |
| 2018 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | ₹7 crore |
| 2017 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | ₹2.60 crore |
| 2016 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | ₹2.60 crore |
| 2015 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | ₹2.60 crore |
Shreyas Iyer also expressed about his three-year relationship with KKR and also praised Shah Rukh Khan.
“I would just like to say that the time I spent over there (KKR) with Shah Rukh Sir, the family, and all of them was phenomenal. And obviously, winning the championship was probably an integral part of my life."
“We all know Shah Rukh sir; he’s a heartthrob, and people go bonkers whenever they look at him. He’s got this certain zest when he walks into the room, that energy, that vibration. And he’s a dominant figure, obviously. I got to learn a lot from him. He is very kind and generous in nature. And probably that’s what makes him pretty unique as an individual. I love his confidence level and self-belief about the team the most. It was surreal," he added.
After this Shreyas Iyer entered into the IPL mega auction which was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. Then the Punjab Kings franchise bid a huge worth of 26.75 crore for Shreyas Iyer With this buy Shreyas Iyer became the second most expensive player in IPL history and the management announced he was captain of Punjab Kings.
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