Shreyas Iyer Earns Recognition with PBKS After Overshadowed IPL 2024 Win at KKR
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar recently voiced his criticism of Gautam Gambhir, suggesting that the former KKR mentor took undue credit for Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2024 title win, overshadowing the actual on-field heroics of captain Shreyas Iyer.
Despite Iyer’s instrumental leadership that led KKR to their third IPL trophy, much of the praise went to Gambhir, who was operating from the sidelines as the team mentor. However, things have changed in 2025 — Iyer is now captaining Punjab Kings (PBKS) and is finally being acknowledged for his sharp cricketing acumen.
Gavaskar’s Sharp Critique: "Credit Belongs to the Captain"
Speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar made a bold remark:
“He did not get the credit for the IPL victory last season. All the plaudits were given to someone else. It is the captain who plays a major role in what is happening in the middle, not someone sitting in the dugout.”
Gavaskar also praised the current PBKS setup where Iyer is working alongside Ricky Ponting, stating:
“See, this year he’s getting fair credit. No one is giving all the credit to Ricky Ponting.”
PBKS See Massive Return on ₹26.75 Crore Iyer Investment
PBKS made headlines by acquiring Iyer for a staggering ₹26.75 crore in the 2024 mega auction. The move has paid off brilliantly. Under his captaincy, PBKS have:
- Reached the playoffs for the first time since 2014
- Seen a turnaround in team performance and strategy
- Enjoyed Iyer’s personal form:
- 405 runs in 11 matches
- Average: 50.63
- Fifties: 4
His leadership has been praised as astute, proactive, and balanced — a perfect fit for PBKS’s ambitions.
Iyer-Ponting Reunion Revives PBKS Fortunes
The successful Iyer-Ponting duo, previously seen at Delhi Capitals, has reunited in style. They had already proven their chemistry:
- Playoffs in 2019
- IPL runners-up in 2020
Now at PBKS, their collaboration is breathing new life into a side that has long struggled with inconsistency. With Ponting as head coach and Iyer leading from the front, Punjab Kings look like serious contenders for the IPL 2025 title.
Shreyas Iyer is finally getting the credit he deserves. His performances with PBKS in IPL 2025 are turning heads and validating the franchise’s big investment in him. With a solid partnership with Ricky Ponting, Iyer is showcasing his leadership and consistency — elements that were previously overshadowed despite an IPL title.
As Punjab Kings charge into the playoffs, all eyes will be on Iyer to see if he can lead the team to their first-ever IPL trophy. And this time, it seems no one will be taking the spotlight away from him.
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