KKR's Chandrakant Pandit Explains Release of Shreyas Iyer After IPL 2024 Victory
'Wasn't a purposeful omission...': KKR breaks silence on releasing Shreyas Iyer despite winning trophy in IPL 2024
Zee News&w=1200&q=75)
Image: Zee News
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Shreyas Iyer after their IPL 2024 win, a move that sparked debate. Coach Chandrakant Pandit expressed regret but emphasized strategic decisions over sentiment. Iyer has since excelled with the Punjab Kings, leading them to the 2025 final and showcasing impressive form in the 2026 season.
- 01Shreyas Iyer was released by KKR despite leading them to victory in IPL 2024.
- 02Chandrakant Pandit cited strategic reasons for Iyer's release, not personal ones.
- 03Iyer has thrived with the Punjab Kings, leading them to the 2025 final.
- 04Pandit believes Iyer deserves another chance with the national team.
- 05The competitive landscape of Indian cricket makes it hard for talented players to secure spots.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The release of Shreyas Iyer by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following their IPL 2024 championship has sparked significant discussion. Iyer, who was acquired by the Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore (approximately $3.2 million USD), has excelled since, leading his new team to the 2025 final and maintaining a six-game unbeaten streak in the ongoing 2026 season. KKR's former coach, Chandrakant Pandit, expressed regret over the decision but clarified that it was driven by organizational strategy rather than personal feelings. He acknowledged Iyer's capabilities and leadership, stating that circumstances sometimes necessitate tough choices. Pandit also discussed the intense competition within the Indian T20I setup, which complicates opportunities for talented players like Iyer. With impressive statistics this season—208 runs at an average of 52 and a strike rate of 182.45—Pandit believes Iyer deserves another shot at representing India, despite the challenges posed by a deep talent pool.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Shreyas Iyer's performance could influence his chances of returning to the national team, affecting fans and aspiring cricketers.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think Shreyas Iyer should return to the national team?
Connecting to poll...
More about Kolkata Knight Riders

Former KKR Coach Discusses Shreyas Iyer's Departure and Team Dynamics
News 18 • Apr 24, 2026

KKR's Former Coach Reflects on Shreyas Iyer's Departure and Future Prospects
Ndtv • Apr 24, 2026
IPL 2026: Krishnamachari Srikkanth Critiques Riyan Parag's Performance, Compares Him to Ajinkya Rahane
Yahoo! News • Apr 21, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




