Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made the shocking call to release their captain Shreyas Iyer before the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Iyer ended KKR’s drought and captained them to their third IPL title win in 2024. Despite this, the franchise decided against retaining him. The team management didn’t make many efforts to re-sign him in the IPL 2025 mega-auction and stopped bidding for him once his price touched Rs 10 crore. Iyer joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs 26.75. crore. KKR’s decision to release Iyer surprised one and all, including Kumble. Before the start of IPL 2026, the Indian legend slammed KKR and revealed why they aren’t the favourites to win the title.
“Two years ago, KKR won the IPL and lifted their third trophy. Two important cogs in that wheel were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both played crucial roles in helping them win. But KKR let both of them go. There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention. KKR took the wrong decision by letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt leave. That has left them without an IPL-winning captain,” Kumble told Star Sports.
“KKR let go of that advantage. They need to learn how to keep hold of their key players. Otherwise, they will keep struggling and cannot be considered favourites to win the trophy,” he added.
KKR replaced Iyer with former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. KKR struggled under Rahane’s captaincy and failed to qualify for the second round. They only managed 5 wins in 14 matches to finish eighth in the points table.
Shreyas Iyer now leads Punjab Kings
Iyer enjoyed huge success at Punjab Kings (PBKS) and captained them to the final of IPL 2025. They suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final.
Iyer reunited with Ricky Ponting at PBKS. They enjoyed huge success during their stint at Delhi Capitals (DC) and continued their form at PBKS. PBKS, who have been part of IPL since the league’s inception, are yet to lift the IPL trophy.
They played their maiden IPL final under George Bailey’s captaincy in IPL 2014. 11 years later, Iyer became the second captain to propel PBKS to the final.
