Shreyas Iyer Left Out Again As KKR Celebrate IPL Win, Fans React – Shreyas Iyer Snubbed Again: KKR’s IPL 2024 Celebration Raises Eyebrows

On May 26, 2026, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) marked the second anniversary of their monumental triumph in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This date holds special significance for the franchise, as it was when they ended a decade-long wait to secure their third IPL title, a victory achieved under the astute captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. Yet, for the second consecutive year, KKR’s celebratory posts across social media platforms conspicuously excluded their former skipper, fueling a growing controversy and drawing sharp criticism from a frustrated fan base.

KKR’s Dominant IPL 2024 Victory

The IPL 2024 final saw KKR face off against a formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. SRH had entered the final as heavy favorites, having displayed a dominant performance throughout the season. However, Shreyas Iyer and his team had a meticulously crafted plan to counter the juggernaut. KKR’s bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, setting the tone from the very first over.

Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc initiated the rout with a spectacular delivery, clean bowling SRH’s opener Abhishek Sharma for just two runs. This early breakthrough signaled KKR’s intent and laid the foundation for a superb bowling display. The SRH batting line-up crumbled under pressure, eventually being dismissed for a mere 113 runs. Pat Cummins top-scored for SRH with 24, while Aiden Markram contributed 20 runs, but their efforts were insufficient against KKR’s relentless attack. Mitchell Starc’s stellar figures of 2/14 earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his crucial role in dismantling SRH.

In response, KKR chased down the modest target with remarkable ease, securing an emphatic 8-wicket victory. Venkatesh Iyer led the charge with an unbeaten 52 runs, guiding his team to glory. This victory marked KKR’s third IPL championship, adding to their previous triumphs in 2012 and 2014, and cemented their place as one of the league’s most successful franchises.

The Post-Championship Fallout: Iyer’s Departure and Public Statements

Despite leading KKR to such a significant title, a surprising turn of events saw Kolkata Knight Riders decide to release Shreyas Iyer ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Reports at the time suggested an underlying discord between Iyer and the KKR management, indicating that all was not well behind the scenes. Following his release, Shreyas Iyer found a new home with Punjab Kings (PBKS), who acquired his services for a staggering INR 26.75 crore in the mega auction, underscoring his perceived value and leadership capabilities.

The narrative surrounding Iyer and KKR further intensified when the former captain openly expressed his feelings about the lack of recognition for his efforts. Iyer publicly stated that he felt he didn’t receive adequate credit for guiding KKR to the IPL 2024 title. He observed that much of the attention and praise for the team’s turnaround and success was directed towards mentor Gautam Gambhir, who has since gone on to become India’s head coach. Many young players within the KKR setup had indeed credited Gambhir for his influential role and guidance, which inadvertently overshadowed Iyer’s on-field captaincy and tactical execution.

A Repeated Omission: KKR’s Celebrations Without Their Captain

The controversy first surfaced in 2025, on the first anniversary of the IPL 2024 victory. On May 26 of that year, Kolkata Knight Riders posted a series of creative content on their social media channels to celebrate the milestone. However, fans were quick to notice the glaring absence of Shreyas Iyer from these photos, posters, and even the accompanying captions. His pivotal role as the championship-winning captain seemed to have been entirely overlooked, sparking initial murmurs of discontent among the fan base.

Now, a year later, on May 26, 2026, KKR has once again shared special celebratory posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Alarmingly, for the second consecutive year, Shreyas Iyer has been conspicuously missing from these official tributes. While other posts highlighted performance statistics of various KKR players from the IPL 2024 final, the main celebratory graphic prominently featured Andre Russell holding the coveted trophy aloft, further cementing Iyer’s absence from the team’s official remembrance of their triumph.

Fans React to KKR’s Continued Snub

The repeated omission of Shreyas Iyer from KKR’s social media celebrations has not gone unnoticed by the passionate cricket community. Fans immediately took to various platforms to voice their displeasure, lambasting the franchise for what many perceived as a petty and ungracious approach. Supporters expressed their disappointment, arguing that KKR should acknowledge Iyer’s significant contributions to their third IPL title, especially given his role as the leader on the field.

Observers have pointed out the curious nature of KKR’s stance, especially considering Iyer’s public remarks about not receiving due credit. It is widely believed that a franchise of KKR’s stature should act as the bigger party, extending recognition to all who contributed to their success, particularly the captain who led them to glory. Such continued antics, many feel, serve only to create unnecessary negativity and detract from the spirit of celebration.

Shreyas Iyer’s Resurgence with Punjab Kings

Adding another layer to this intriguing narrative is Shreyas Iyer’s impressive journey since his departure from KKR. He quickly settled into his new role as captain of the Punjab Kings, guiding them to the IPL 2025 final, a testament to his leadership prowess and strategic acumen. Furthermore, Iyer has enjoyed a fantastic start to the IPL 2026 season, leading PBKS to six victories in their first seven league games, showcasing his consistent performance and ability to inspire success.

This resurgence with a new franchise highlights Iyer’s capability as both a batsman and a captain, making KKR’s continued omission of his name from their past victory celebrations even more perplexing for fans and cricket pundits alike. The contrast between his ongoing success and his former team’s apparent oversight of his championship-winning contribution presents a curious case study in sports management and player recognition.