Shreyas Iyer’s remarkable bounceback has been one of the most endearing stories for Indian cricket fans in the 2024-25 season. After being snubbed from the BCCI contracts and his spot across formats last year, Iyer went on a sensational trophy-winning spree, starting with the IPL 2024 title as Kolkata Knight Riders captain last year.
On the domestic front, Iyer was in the thick of things as he led Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title while leaving a mark in longer formats. An India comeback culminated with an immediate Champions Trophy triumph, with Iyer leading the country’s batting charts in Dubai
The Mumbaikar added another achievement to his quiver on Sunday as he led the Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 Playoffs, a first in 11 years for the franchise since their only final appearance in 2014. It seems as if the high price-tag signing and the KKR snub have only motivated the 30-year-old to bring out his best.
IPL captain record
No player has scored more runs at a higher strike rate than Punjab’s Rs 26.75 crore buy thus far this edition: 435 at 174.69.
As impressive as his batting exploits are Iyer’s leadership nous and success rate. The Kings are the third franchise Iyer has lifted past the Playoffs mark in the IPL, making him the first captain to achieve the feat.
In 2020, Iyer powered the Delhi Capitals to their first-ever IPL final, before ending KKR’s title drought after a decade last season.
India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar feels Iyer’s exploits with KKR were not valued enough and the credits went some place else, hinting at Gautam Gambhir who later went onto become the national head coach last year.
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“He didn’t get the credit for the IPL victory last season. All the plaudits were given to someone else. It’s the captain, who plays a major role in what’s happening in the middle and not someone sitting in the dugout,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
While Iyer is back in the limelight, Gavaskar also pointed out that PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting has not been appreciated enough for his contribution in his first season with the franchise.
“See, this year he’s getting fair credit. No one is giving all the credit to Ricky Ponting,” he added.