Shreyas Iyer Left Out Again As KKR Celebrate IPL Win, Fans React – Shreyas Iyer Left Out Again in KKR IPL 2024 Win Anniversary Posts
Contents
The Celebrations and the Glaring Omission
On May 26, 2026, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) took to social media to celebrate the second anniversary of their magnificent IPL 2024 victory. It was on this historic day in 2024 that KKR ended a painful ten-year drought to lift their third Indian Premier League trophy. Yet, what should have been a nostalgic trip down memory lane quickly turned into a breeding ground for controversy. For the second year in a row, Shreyas Iyer—the captain who led them to that very title—was completely left out of the franchise’s celebratory posts.
Instead of featuring the skipper who lifted the trophy in Chennai, KKR’s official X and Instagram accounts shared graphics highlighting individual player statistics and a main creative featuring all-rounder Andre Russell lifting the silverware. The systematic exclusion of Iyer did not go unnoticed, with fans quickly calling out the franchise for what many have termed a petty and unfair move.
Recalling KKR’s Dominant IPL 2024 Triumph
To understand the depth of the controversy, one must look back at the sheer dominance of KKR’s campaign in 2024. The final, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, saw KKR face off against a formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) side. SRH had entered the playoffs as absolute heavyweights, feared for their explosive, record-breaking batting lineup.
However, Shreyas Iyer and his team executed a flawless tactical plan. The rout began in the very first over when Mitchell Starc produced an absolute peach of a delivery to clean bowl the dangerous Abhishek Sharma for just 2 runs. KKR’s bowling attack never let SRH breathe, dismantling them for a paltry 113 runs. Pat Cummins top-scored for Hyderabad with 24, while Aiden Markram managed 20.
In response, KKR chased down the target effortlessly with 8 wickets and nearly half the overs to spare. Venkatesh Iyer anchored the chase with an unbeaten 52*, while Mitchell Starc was named Player of the Match for his stellar spell of 2/14. This victory marked KKR’s third IPL championship, adding to their previous titles won in 2012 and 2014 under Gautam Gambhir.
The Growing Rift and the Mega Auction Exit
The cracks in the relationship between Shreyas Iyer and the KKR management became public ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. In a move that shocked the cricketing fraternity, KKR decided to release their championship-winning captain. Reports suggested deep-seated disagreements between Iyer and the team management regarding his value and leadership role.
Following his release, Shreyas Iyer entered the mega auction pool, where the Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured his services for a staggering INR 26.75 crore. After the move, Iyer openly expressed his disappointment, stating that he did not receive enough credit for leading KKR to the IPL title. Much of the praise for the 2024 turnaround had been directed toward team mentor Gautam Gambhir, who has since transitioned to become the head coach of the Indian national team, as well as the younger players.
Despite the fallout, Iyer proved his credentials yet again by guiding the Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final and enjoying a flying start to the IPL 2026 season, winning six of their first seven league games.
A Pattern of Exclusion: 2025 and 2026 Snubs
What makes the current situation highly controversial is that this is not an isolated incident. On May 26, 2025—the first anniversary of the title win—KKR posted several celebratory graphics and videos. Even then, Iyer was noticeably absent from the visual materials, and his name was omitted from the captions.
History repeated itself on May 26, 2026. While other key contributors to the 2024 campaign were widely celebrated, the captain who marshaled the troops on the field was once again erased from the narrative. This repeated snub has alienated a section of the fan base, who feel that personal or administrative grievances should not overshadow historical sporting achievements.
Fans React to KKR’s Cold Treatment of Iyer
Cricket enthusiasts and KKR supporters were quick to voice their displeasure across social media platforms. Many pointed out that regardless of how things ended behind closed doors, Shreyas Iyer was the captain who successfully executed the team’s strategies on the field to bring the trophy back to Kolkata.
From an objective standpoint, KKR’s refusal to acknowledge Iyer’s contribution feels unnecessarily cold. While mentoring and coaching play massive roles in a team’s success, it is ultimately the captain who bears the pressure of making split-second decisions on the ground. Acknowledging Shreyas Iyer’s role in their third IPL title would not only show sportsmanship but also bring a sense of positive closure to a highly successful chapter in the franchise’s history.
