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Shreyas Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title win, but despite that, he was not retained by the Kolkata-based franchise, which is co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan.
Shreyas Iyer led KKR to IPL title win in 2024. (Picture Credit: Instagram/@shreyasiyer96)
Shreyas Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title win, but despite that, he was not retained by the three-time IPL champions. KKR’s decision to let go of Iyer came as a shock for many fans, and the player himself was also very disappointed with the development. According to him, there was a lack of communication from the franchise’s part about the retention, and because of that, both parties failed to reach an agreement.
“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,” he was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
“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,” he added.
Iyer said he enjoyed his time with KKR during the three-year association with the franchise and was full of praise for the team owner, 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 parting ways with KKR, the 30-year-old right-handed batter entered the mega auction and bagged a deal worth Rs 26.75 crore from Punjab Kings. The second most expensive player in IPL history was recently appointed as Punjab Kings captain as well.
