Shreyas Iyer has steadily carved out a reputation for himself through consistent performances over the past year. Yet, in spite of all his apparent talent and contributions, the professional journey of Iyer has not been quite smooth. Having led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in earlier seasons, Iyer became the talk of the town when he parted with the franchise post-IPL 2024 season. He was then acquired by Punjab Kings at the mega auction, where he is also the captain.
In GQ interview, the 30-year-old spoke openly for the first time about relinquishing KKR – a team he previously captained. Though Iyer did not discuss all the details, he made a revealing comment that said it all about his frame of mind: he feels valued and respected more at Punjab Kings than at KKR.
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Iyer suggested that, even after being made captain at KKR, he never really felt like he belonged to the inner coterie of decision-makers. At Punjab, his experience has been more expansive and empowering — one which has clearly recharged his game.
Now with Punjab Kings, Iyer appears to have discovered a setting that not only appreciates his talent but also supports his leadership and presence both on and off the pitch.
“I offer a lot as a captain and player. If I get respect, anything can be accomplished,” says Iyer. “This is what happened at Punjab. They gave me all the support I needed, whether it was the coaches, management or players. I was coming off a high, having just helped India win the Champions Trophy. So all the stakeholders at Punjab Kings were eager to hear from me and have me contribute meaningfully. This allowed me to be decisive both on and off the field. I was in every meeting with the management and coaches, contributing strategically. This is something I love!”
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“I was part of the conversation, but wasn’t completely in the mix. I’ve had to work my way up to get to the position I am in now,” Iyer revealed.
