Shreyas Iyer’s cricketing journey over the past year has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. From being excluded from the BCCI central contracts to leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an Indian Premier League (IPL) title, Shreyas Iyer has faced highs and lows in quick succession. His performances in domestic cricket also reinforced his reputation as a resilient cricketer, culminating in his pivotal role in India’s victorious Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. However, despite his achievements, the talented middle-order batter feels his contributions have not received the recognition they deserve.
Shreyas Iyer, who captained KKR to the IPL title in 2024, was left disappointed when he was not retained ahead of the new season. Eventually, Punjab Kings acquired him for a whopping Rs 26.75 crore, making him one of the most expensive buys in IPL history. He will now lead Punjab Kings in the upcoming season, a challenge he is eager to embrace. While speaking to the Times of India, Shreyas Iyer reflected on his IPL victory and the lack of acknowledgment for his leadership.
“I always wanted to win the IPL, and thankfully, I achieved that goal. However, I personally felt that I didn’t get the recognition I deserved after leading KKR to the title. But at the end of the day, what truly matters is having self-integrity and continuing to do the right things even when no one is watching. That is what I have always focused on,” Shreyas Iyer shared.
His performance in the Champions Trophy further cemented his standing as a key player for India. Scoring 243 runs in five innings, he played crucial knocks under pressure, proving his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. Despite his success, Shreyas Iyer emphasized that his quest for respect and acknowledgment remains ongoing.
“When I talk about recognition, I mean getting the respect for the hard work I put in. Sometimes, those efforts go unnoticed, but I am extremely satisfied with my performances. The wickets weren’t easy to bat on, and taking singles was particularly tough when bowlers maintained tight lines. I just trusted my ability, knowing that a couple of sixes at the right moment could shift the momentum in our favor. Thankfully, I managed to do that at crucial times,” he said.
Former BCCI chief selector and 1983 World Cup winner Dilip Vengsarkar also praised Shreyas Iyer’s performance in the Champions Trophy. However, he believed Shreyas Iyer could have finished the final match more convincingly.
“Shreyas Iyer played very well, but I wasn’t happy with the way he got out in the final. He should have stayed till the end and seen the game through. KL Rahul also played some important innings at number six, though I am still not convinced about Axar Patel batting ahead of him at number five. The left-hand-right-hand combination might have been the only reason for that,” Vengsarkar remarked.
As Shreyas Iyer gears up for the IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, he remains focused on proving his worth and continuing his journey as one of India’s premier batters. His performances across formats highlight his determination and ability to thrive under pressure, making him a key player to watch in the upcoming cricketing season.
