Shreyas Iyer’s cricketing journey since 2024 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. From being excluded from the BCCI central contracts to leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an Indian Premier League (IPL) title and excelling in the Champions Trophy 2025, Iyer has shown incredible grit and determination. Being left out of the BCCI central contracts was a significant setback for Shreyas Iyer. However, he remained focused on his performance, using the IPL platform to silence critics and prove his worth.
Shreyas Iyer’s Redemption in the IPL 2024
Despite the snub, Iyer captained KKR to IPL glory, showcasing exceptional leadership and batting prowess. His calm demeanor and strategic decisions played a pivotal role in KKR’s success. While Iyer delivered a title-winning performance, he expressed disappointment over not receiving the recognition he felt he deserved for leading KKR to the championship.
“Frustration toh nahi tha because I was playing IPL. The major focus was to win the IPL, and thankfully, I won it. I personally felt I didn’t get the recognition I wanted to after winning the IPL but at the end of the day, as long as you have self integrity and you keep doing the right things when no one is watching, that is more important and that is what I kept doing,” Shreyas Iyer told Times of India.
Champions Trophy 2025: A Stellar Campaign
Iyer also shined in domestic cricket, consistently scoring runs and solidifying his place as a top-order batter. Iyer amassed 243 runs in 5 innings during the Champions Trophy, playing crucial knocks on challenging pitches. His ability to find boundaries in tight situations and shift the game’s momentum was instrumental in India’s triumph. Iyer lamented that his efforts went unnoticed, especially after KKR’s IPL victory. However, he emphasized the importance of self-integrity and hard work when no one is watching.
“When I talk about recognition, it’s about getting that respect. It was about the respect for whatever efforts I put on the field. I think sometimes it gets unnoticed but extremely satisfied with the efforts I put in because they weren’t easy wickets to bat on,” said Shreyas Iyer.
“It wasn’t easy to take singles, especially when the bowlers were bowling so tight. I just had the belief in myself that once I get two sixes here or there, I can change the momentum towards our side. Luckily, I got them at crucial times,” he added.
Punjab Kings’ Massive Bid: A New Chapter in IPL 2025
Punjab Kings secured Iyer for a whopping ₹26.75 crore, entrusting him with the leadership role for IPL 2025. With a talented squad, Iyer aims to replicate his success with KKR and lead Punjab Kings to their maiden title. Iyer’s focus on self-belief and staying true to his process has been the cornerstone of his comeback.
Dilip Vengsarkar’s Take on Iyer’s Performance
The former BCCI chief selector praised Iyer’s performance but felt he should have finished the final match. He also questioned Axar Patel’s promotion ahead of KL Rahul.
“Iyer did very well but I am not happy the way he got out in the final. He should have continued till the very end and finished the game. But happy to see him realise his potential. KL too played a few important innings at number six but still not convinced Axar Patel batting ahead of him at five. The left-hand right-hand combination could be the only reason,” he said.
Iyer’s journey is a testament to perseverance, self-belief, and integrity in the face of adversity. Cricket fans and experts alike have lauded Iyer’s comeback and eagerly await his future performances.
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