The 2024 IPL title was expected to be the defining chapter in Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy career with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While he did lift the coveted trophy, the spotlight shifted elsewhere. Former mentor Gautam Gambhir became the face of KKR’s success, overshadowing Iyer’s leadership and sparking a rift that continues to shape their uneasy relationship.

According to a report by CricBlogger, Gambhir receiving the lion’s share of credit for KKR’s third IPL crown left Iyer frustrated. What should have been his crowning moment soon turned sour, as whispers grew that Gambhir’s towering presence had eclipsed his role. Sources close to the matter claim that Iyer’s dissatisfaction was no secret, and his disappointment strained ties with Gambhir soon after the triumph.

Despite guiding KKR through a strong season and making notable contributions in ODIs, Iyer’s position in the national setup has since become uncertain. Reports suggest Gambhir opposed his selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but chief selector Ajit Agarkar stepped in, ensuring Iyer’s place. The stylish right-hander repaid the faith, playing a pivotal role in India’s title-winning campaign under Rohit Sharma in the UAE.

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However, the latest twist has shocked many. Gambhir, now India’s head coach, reportedly influenced Iyer’s exclusion from the T20 squad for the Asia Cup 2025. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 just months away, the omission has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation that personal differences, not performance, dictated the decision.

Perhaps this is the reason why Ajit Agarkar dislikes Shreyas Iyer so much.And Gambhir has a direct connection with the KKR IPL team.Shreyas is the captain of IPL winner KKR 2024,but all the credit for this was taken by Gambhir as a mentor. @IndianExpress https://t.co/VqzGJ6WMLw

— koushik mitra (@mitra14_mitra) August 20, 2025

CricBlogger further claimed that under Gambhir’s tenure, individual equations have often outweighed merit in selection calls. Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, has not hidden his frustration over being overshadowed in KKR’s 2024 IPL success. The batter felt the coaching staff and Gambhir were given all the plaudits, sidelining the captain and players.

Such sentiments eventually reached Gambhir’s camp, and by the time he formally became India’s head coach, the tension had escalated into an open tug-of-war. Amidst this backdrop, the BCCI is weighing a fresh chapter for Iyer. A report in Dainik Jagran suggests that he is being considered as India’s next ODI captain.

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With the board reluctant to burden one player with leadership across all formats, Iyer has emerged as a potential candidate for the 50-over role. His appointment could come as early as the Australia ODI series in October, but much will hinge on the future plans of Rohit Sharma, who currently leads the side. For Iyer, the coming months could prove decisive—balancing a strained equation with Gambhir while eyeing the biggest leadership role of his career.