Former India captain Anil Kumble has criticised Kolkata Knight Riders for releasing Shreyas Iyer ahead of Indian Premier League 2025.
Kumble argued that the franchise weakened its own championship-winning core by letting go of Iyer and Phil Salt, both of whom played crucial roles in the team’s most recent title triumph.
According to him, the decision left the franchise without an experienced IPL-winning captain.
‘KKR Lost an IPL-Winning Captain’
Kumble said that continuity is essential in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL, and KKR failed to maintain that stability.
“Two years ago, KKR won the IPL and lifted their third trophy. Two important cogs in that wheel were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both played crucial roles in helping them win, but KKR let both of them go,” Kumble said.
He added that the move showed inconsistency in the franchise’s player retention strategy.
“KKR took the wrong decision by letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt leave. That has left them without an IPL-winning captain.”
Shreyas Iyer’s Leadership Praised
Kumble also highlighted Iyer’s leadership abilities, describing him as an underrated captain in the IPL.
After leaving KKR, Iyer joined Punjab Kings and quickly made an impact by leading the team to the tournament final in his first season.
According to Kumble, achieving such success with a new franchise under different management and conditions demonstrates Iyer’s strong leadership qualities.
‘Underrated Skipper’ in the League
Kumble emphasised that winning a title with one franchise and then performing immediately with another team is not easy.
“It is not easy to win a trophy with one franchise and then go to another. There is a different management, atmosphere and team. The pressure is also different,” he said.
He added that Iyer impressed not only with his captaincy but also by leading the team from the front as a player.
Debate Over KKR’s Team Strategy
Kumble’s remarks have reignited debate over KKR’s squad management strategy following their championship success.
His argument suggests that the franchise may have underestimated the value of leadership continuity in the IPL — a tournament known for its unpredictable and high-pressure nature.
For many observers, the decision to release Iyer could remain one of the most debated squad calls ahead of IPL 2025.
