Shreyas Iyer Left Out Again As KKR Celebrate IPL Win, Fans React – KKR’s IPL 2024 Celebration: Shreyas Iyer Left Out, Fans React to Snub

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a franchise steeped in rich history and fervent fan support, recently commemorated the two-year anniversary of their memorable Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 triumph. On May 26, 2026, the team took to social media platforms to celebrate the moment they ended a decade-long wait, clinching their third IPL title. This historic victory was achieved under the astute leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer.

However, what should have been a moment of collective celebration and nostalgia for the KKR faithful was overshadowed by a noticeable omission: for the second consecutive year, Shreyas Iyer was conspicuously absent from KKR’s commemorative posts. This recurring oversight has not only baffled many but has also drawn sharp criticism from fans and pundits alike, sparking renewed debate over the recognition of Iyer’s pivotal role in the team’s championship success.

The Glorious IPL 2024 Triumph: KKR’s Dominant Performance

The IPL 2024 final, held at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, pitted KKR against a formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) side. SRH had entered the final as heavy favorites, having demonstrated a dominant run throughout the season and earning a reputation as an unstoppable ‘juggernaut’. Yet, KKR, under Iyer’s captaincy, orchestrated a masterclass in controlled aggression and strategic brilliance, dismantling SRH with an emphatic 8-wicket victory.

The tone for KKR’s dominance was set early by their bowlers. Australian pace sensation Mitchell Starc, living up to his billing as a big-match player, delivered a sensational opening spell. His ‘peach of a delivery’ clean bowled the dangerous Abhishek Sharma for a mere 2 runs, setting off a spectacular collapse for SRH. The KKR bowling unit collectively clicked, stifling SRH’s powerful batting line-up and restricting them to a paltry total of 113 runs. Even contributions from Pat Cummins (24) and Aiden Markram (20) couldn’t salvage their innings.

Chasing a modest target, KKR showcased their batting prowess with equal measure. Venkatesh Iyer led the charge, anchoring the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 52. The chase was completed with considerable ease, sealing KKR’s third IPL championship. Mitchell Starc’s exceptional figures of 2/14 rightfully earned him the Player of the Match award, but the collective effort, spearheaded by captain Shreyas Iyer, was undeniable. This victory added to KKR’s previous titles in 2012 and 2014, solidifying their place among the IPL’s elite franchises.

The Shreyas Iyer and KKR Saga: From Captain to Controversy

The narrative surrounding Shreyas Iyer and Kolkata Knight Riders, however, took an unexpected turn shortly after their championship win. Reports of underlying tensions between Iyer and the KKR management began to surface, culminating in the franchise’s surprising decision to release him ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. This move sent ripples across the cricketing world, especially considering Iyer had just led them to a historic title.

In the subsequent mega auction, Shreyas Iyer found a new home with Punjab Kings (PBKS), who secured his services for a staggering INR 26.75 crore. This significant investment underscored his value and leadership capabilities. The plot thickened when Iyer himself publicly voiced his sentiments, expressing that he hadn’t received sufficient credit for KKR’s IPL 2024 triumph. He alluded to the significant attention and accolades directed towards mentor Gautam Gambhir, who has since gone on to become India’s head coach, and credited by young players for their turnaround.

Since moving to PBKS, Iyer has continued to demonstrate his leadership acumen and batting prowess. He successfully guided the Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, showcasing his ability to lead from the front. His impressive form has continued into IPL 2026, where he captained PBKS to an exceptional start, winning six of their first seven league games. This consistent performance only highlights the perplexing nature of his departure from KKR and the subsequent lack of acknowledgement.

A Recurring Snub: Iyer Absent from KKR’s Celebrations for Two Years

The current omission of Shreyas Iyer from KKR’s celebration posts on May 26, 2026, is not an isolated incident. It mirrors a similar situation from the previous year. In 2025, on the first anniversary of the IPL 2024 victory, Kolkata Knight Riders had also shared various creatives on social media to commemorate the win. Strikingly, Iyer was noticeably absent from those photos and posters, and his captaincy wasn’t even acknowledged in the accompanying captions.

Fast forward to 2026, and the pattern has repeated itself. KKR’s recent posts on platforms like X and Instagram, celebrating the second anniversary, once again left out any mention or image of Shreyas Iyer. While other posts highlighted impressive performance statistics of KKR players during the IPL 2024 final, the main celebratory graphic prominently featured Andre Russell hoisting the trophy aloft. The consistent exclusion of the title-winning captain, who was instrumental in executing the plans on the field, has raised serious questions about the franchise’s public relations strategy and its relationship with a former key player.

Fan Outcry: The Voice of Disappointment

Shreyas Iyer’s repeated omission from KKR’s social media tributes for their IPL 2024 title triumph has not gone unnoticed by the passionate KKR fan base. Almost immediately, fans took to social media to express their dismay and criticize the team for what many perceive as a ‘cunning’ and ‘petty’ approach. Many believe it undermines the very essence of team spirit and fair recognition.

The sentiment among fans is clear: while acknowledging the collective effort and the role of other significant figures like Gautam Gambhir, they feel it is a fundamental oversight to not credit the man who hoisted the trophy. Social media platforms have been abuzz with comments highlighting Iyer’s leadership, his crucial decisions on the field, and his instrumental role in guiding the team through a challenging season to ultimate glory. The prevailing opinion is that such deliberate exclusions detract from the joyous occasion and reflect poorly on the franchise.

Conclusion: A Call for Acknowledgment

The decision by Kolkata Knight Riders to consistently sideline Shreyas Iyer from their IPL 2024 celebration posts, particularly given his undeniable contribution as captain, comes across as both perplexing and, to many, unfair. Iyer himself had previously articulated his feelings about not receiving adequate credit, despite being the on-field orchestrator of the team’s success. While acknowledging the contributions of other players, the coaching staff, and the mentor, the role of the captain in steering the ship through the highs and lows of a tournament like the IPL cannot be understated.

For a franchise that prides itself on its legacy and connection with its fans, KKR has an opportunity to act as the ‘bigger party’ in this narrative. Acknowledging Shreyas Iyer’s efforts in their historic IPL 2024 win would not only be a gesture of goodwill but also bring a positive closure to this recurring point of contention. Such an act of recognition would resonate positively with the fan base and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, rather than perpetuate what many perceive as unnecessary and petty antics.