Shreyas Iyer Released by KKR Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction: The Shocking Move and Its Implications
The Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) decision to release Shreyas Iyer ahead of the 2025 IPL auction has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. This move comes just five months after Iyer led KKR to their third Indian Premier League title. Iyer joined KKR in the IPL 2022 mega-auction and had a three-year stint with the franchise, during which he showcased impressive leadership skills. Despite a successful season, KKR made the unexpected decision to part ways with him.
Reports suggest that Iyer’s departure was fueled by salary issues. KKR does not have a Right to Match (RTM) card to retain him, meaning they will need to outbid other teams if they wish to secure his services again in the auction. Iyer has registered for the IPL 2025 mega-auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, similar to his base price during the 2022 mega-auction. Given his leadership and on-field skills, Iyer is expected to attract significant interest, with his value potentially crossing the Rs 20-crore mark.
Iyer’s journey as a captain in the IPL has been impressive. He turned around the fortunes of the Delhi Capitals (DC), guiding them to the playoffs in 2019 and their first-ever final in 2020. However, an unfortunate injury sidelined him for the first half of the 2021 season, with Rishabh Pant stepping in as captain. Even after his return, Pant retained the captaincy. DC attempted to bring Iyer back in 2022 but fell short in their bid during the auction. Instead, KKR secured him for Rs 12.25 crore.
Although KKR’s 2022 campaign did not yield great results, Iyer’s resilience was evident when he missed the entire 2023 season due to injury but made a remarkable comeback in 2024. Under his leadership, KKR ended a decade-long title drought. His performance earned widespread praise, making the decision to release him even more surprising. KKR’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, also departed after the 2024 season to join the Indian national team’s coaching staff.
The 2025 IPL auction is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams likely vying for Iyer. His consistent performance as a leader and batsman has cemented his reputation, making him one of the most sought-after players. This situation underscores the complexities of team dynamics and financial strategies in the IPL, where even successful captains can find themselves on the auction block.
Iyer’s release highlights the unpredictable nature of franchise cricket, where financial considerations and team composition can lead to unexpected changes. As he prepares for the 2025 mega-auction, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which team will secure his talents and whether he can replicate his past success in a new environment.