Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have once again drawn criticism for excluding their IPL 2024-winning captain Shreyas Iyer from a social media post commemorating the second anniversary of the franchise's third IPL title. The decision has reignited discussions about Iyer's strained relationship with the team, which released him despite his leadership in ending a decade-long title drought.
Background of the Controversy
Shreyas Iyer's association with KKR has been a subject of debate since the franchise opted not to retain him ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Punjab Kings later secured his services for INR 26.75 crore, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. Last year, Iyer stated in an interview with TimesofIndia.com that he felt his contributions to KKR's title-winning campaign were underappreciated.
The Anniversary Posts
On May 26, 2024, KKR defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL final to clinch their third championship. On Tuesday, the franchise marked the second anniversary of that triumph by sharing graphics on social media featuring players from the title-winning squad. However, former captain Iyer was conspicuously absent from these posts. The main graphic showed Andre Russell holding the IPL trophy, while other posts highlighted individual performances from the final.
Fans quickly noticed Iyer's absence and expressed their displeasure online. One user sarcastically wrote, "Like the dedication KKR admin puts to not include Shreyas Iyer in trophy celebrating posts everytime." Another commented, "The first thing KKR admin do on the morning of 26th May of every year is waking up and removing Shreyas Iyer from their trophy celebration pictures." A seemingly loyal KKR fan added, "I thought we were more classy than this, irrespective of the differences with Shreyas we should not have done him dirty here. He won the title as skipper."
Recurring Issue
This is not the first instance of KKR facing backlash over its treatment of Iyer. Since 2025, sections of fans have repeatedly accused the franchise of downplaying Iyer's role in the IPL 2024 title-winning campaign. The omission from anniversary posts has only intensified these allegations.
KKR's Recent Performance
Meanwhile, KKR endured a disappointing IPL 2026 season under new captain Ajinkya Rahane. The team managed only six wins in 14 matches and failed to qualify for the playoffs. They also suffered six consecutive defeats during the season before staying in contention for a playoff spot until their final league match. Iyer's exit from KKR before the 2025 mega auction had surprised many fans, especially given his leadership in securing the title.
Fan Reactions and Expert Insights
The ongoing controversy highlights the delicate balance between franchise management and player recognition. While KKR has not officially commented on the omission, the consistent pattern of excluding Iyer from celebratory posts suggests a deliberate choice. Analysts note that such actions can affect team morale and public perception, especially when a former captain is involved.
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