The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), made a surprising decision by releasing their title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2025. The star batter, who played a pivotal role in KKR’s championship triumph, was not retained, paving the way for Punjab Kings (PBKS) to secure his services for a staggering INR 26.75 crore at the auction.

KKR’s move sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, as it marked the first time a reigning championship-winning skipper would not represent his team in the following season. Shreyas Iyer recently shed light on his departure from KKR, citing a breakdown in communication as the key factor behind the decision.
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“Winning the championship with KKR was an incredible experience. The fans were amazing, and the atmosphere in the stadiums was electrifying. I cherished every moment there,” Shreyas Iyer told *The Indian Express*. “However, after the IPL championship, there was a lack of concrete communication regarding retention. Months passed, and no clear discussions took place. This lack of clarity eventually led us to part ways mutually.”
Shreyas Iyer 🗣️
“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”. pic.twitter.com/1MnKKwjfx8
— KKR ULTRAS (@KKRUltras) January 20, 2025
Iyer expressed disappointment over the situation, highlighting how late communication impacted his decision to enter the auction. “When you hear about your retention status just a week before the deadline, it’s naturally disappointing. It was a tough call, but I believe everything happens for a reason,” he added.
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Shreyas Iyer’s IPL career has been impressive, having played for two franchises—Delhi Capitals and KKR—over 116 matches, scoring 3,127 runs at an average of 32.23. Now, with Punjab Kings, he embarks on a new chapter and hopes to lead the franchise to its maiden IPL title.
As captain of PBKS, Iyer will aim to replicate his leadership success and guide the Punjab-based team to glory in the 2025 season.