Shreyas Iyer, one of the most talked-abut Indian cricketers at present, opened up on his decision to leave KKR before PBKS switch.
Star Reborn in Punjab’s Blue
Honestly, Shreyas Iyer’s journey feels like pure cinema—raw, real, and riveting. After shoulder surgery nearly derailed his career, he clawed back into India’s ODI setup with grit. Then, he helped India clinch the 2025 Champions Trophy—smashing 78 in the final. Immediately after, Punjab Kings snapped him up for ₹23.75 crore in the mega auction. Fans erupted. Why? Because Iyer doesn’t just score runs—he stabilizes chaos. At PBKS, he walks into a dressing room hungry for identity. And guess what? He’s already shaping it. Coaches greet him with open ears. Teammates seek his advice. The vibe? Totally different from what he left behind.
Shreyas KKR Chapter: Captaincy Without Control?
Let’s rewind—KKR named Iyer captain in 2023 after a stellar 2022 season. He led them to the playoffs, even smashed a 57-ball 104 against SRH. But behind the scenes? Cracks formed. Iyer revealed in GQ he “was part of the conversation, but not completely in the mix.” Translation? He attended meetings, sure—but key calls? Often made without his full input. Think team composition, powerplay tactics, even overseas picks. He never complained publicly. But privately? He felt his strategic voice dimmed. Remember, this is a guy who reads match-ups like chess. When leadership becomes ceremonial? He won’t fake smiles. He chose dignity over decorum.
Enter Punjab Kings: Where He Truly Belongs
Now, shift to Mohali—and everything flipped, frankly, overnight. In fact, Punjab didn’t just recruit Iyer; instead, they redesigned their culture around him. Notably, head coach Trevor Griffin flew to Mumbai just to break bread. Similarly, owner Ness Wadia personally welcomed him—a rare gesture. Captaincy? Offered instantly. But crucially, they handed him real authority. Today, Iyer co-designs training modules, actively picks death-over finishers, and even mentors Jitesh Sharma on tempo. “They gave me all the support,” he told GQ. That trust? It unlocked his captaincy superpowers. Consequently, you see it: calm DRS calls, fearless fields, locker-room fire. Ultimately, this? This is Shreyas—unfiltered, unleashed, and utterly in charge.
From Fringe to Forefront: His Hard-Earned Rise
Don’t forget—Iyer’s rise wasn’t gifted. He battled Mumbai’s cutthroat domestic scene, averaging 65 in Ranji Trophy 2014-15 and forced his way into India’s middle order, then got dropped. He returned stronger. Even after his 2022 shoulder dislocation, he rehabbed silently, returned to score 105 against Australia in 2023. That’s why his GQ quote hits hard: “I’ve had to work my way up.” He knows the sting of being ignored. So when Punjab handed him influence? He didn’t just accept it—he maximized it and meets young batters daily. He studies opposition spinners at midnight also leads by sweat, not speeches. That’s why fans trust him. He’s earned every inch.
Leadership Isn’t Just a Title—It’s Trust
Some franchises mistakenly believe captaincy just means slapping a “C” on a jersey—and calling it leadership. But Iyer? He proves, beyond doubt, that true leadership thrives on trust, not titles. Frankly, at KKR, he managed in-game moments competently—but rarely shaped strategy before the toss. Often, he adapted rather than authored plans. Consequently, his influence felt limited, even as skipper. Surprisingly, decisions on overseas picks, batting orders, or powerplay bowlers sometimes bypassed his full input. As a result, his captaincy—though professional—lacked the fingerprints only he could leave. And that? That’s what made the move to Punjab inevitable.
Now, at PBKS? Everything flips—and fast, almost overnight. In fact, Shreyas doesn’t just suggest; rather, he decisively leads. Specifically, he picks the playing XI side-by-side with the coach. Moreover, he personally chooses openers for DLS games, while also selecting spinners for Chepauk’s turn and simultaneously deploying pacers for Wankhede’s bounce. Clearly, that’s not delegation—it’s full agency. And honestly? It shows—not only in every micro-moment, but also in every glance, every call. Consequently, his body language? Relaxed, assured, totally in control. Meanwhile, his strike rotation? Sharper, smarter, laser-intentional. Even more, his team’s energy? Noticeably elevated, buzzing with shared purpose. Notably, Sikandar Raza confirmed: “Shreyas makes everyone feel involved.” Ultimately, this isn’t just management—it’s culture-building. Above all, this is captaincy with skin in the game—not borrowed responsibility, but earned ownership. And that? That transforms teams. That changes everything—for the better.
What This Move Means for IPL’s Power Balance
Let’s zoom out—Punjab Kings spent 12 years playing underdogs. No playoffs since 2014. No identity. Enter Iyer—and suddenly, they look dangerous. His 412 runs in IPL 2024 at a 148 SR stabilized their shaky middle order. Now, with full control? Imagine him guiding Prabhsimran Singh’s aggression or curbing Shashank Singh’s risks. KKR, meanwhile, pivoted to Andre Russell’s explosiveness and Venkatesh Iyer’s fluency. But they lost Iyer’s tactical depth. Analysts whisper: KKR’s think-tank now misses his matchup genius. Punjab? They’ve plugged their biggest hole—not with cash, but with clarity. Iyer brings structure. And structure wins trophies.
Final Thought: Respect Is the Real Currency
Money shouts in IPL auctions, yes—but respect? That sings through seasons, quietly and powerfully, echoing long after contracts expire. Frankly, Iyer didn’t chase the highest bidder; instead, he chased something deeper—value, influence, and true belonging. Thankfully, Punjab Kings didn’t just meet him halfway—they sprinted to greet him with open arms and open minds. Meanwhile, while rival franchises waved fat checks and flashy promises, PBKS offered him something rarer: a blueprint—and crucially, a pen to edit it. Consequently, he didn’t just sign a contract; he co-authored a vision. Honestly, that shift—from employee to architect—changed everything. And as any elite athlete knows, that kind of trust? It unlocks potential no paycheck ever could.
Remember his GQ quote? “If I get respect, anything can be accomplished.” Honestly, that’s not ego—it’s elite athlete psychology in its purest, most potent form. Moreover, when a leader feels genuinely heard, he doesn’t just perform—he elevates entire squads around him. Just watch him now: calmly resetting fields between overs, smiling through scoreboard chaos, mentoring rookies mid-innings without breaking stride. Clearly, this is a man perfectly in his element—not rented for a season, but rooted for a mission. Ultimately, Indian cricket benefits too—richer in leadership, sharper in strategy, and more inspiring in spirit. Because when respect leads? Excellence follows—and everyone rises with it.
Catch him in IPL 2025—blue jersey, calm smile, fierce intent.
Shreyas Iyer didn’t just switch teams. He reclaimed his space.
And cricket? It’s all the richer for it.