“If I get respect…” - Shreyas Iyer makes a controversial statement

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has come up with a startling revelation, stating that he got respect at the franchise, which was lacking at the Kolkata Knight Riders during the franchise’s successful stint in IPL 2024. 

Speaking to GQ India, Iyer stated that right from the coaches, management, and players, he received a good amount of support at the Punjab Kings in the recently concluded IPL 2025 season, in which PBKS made it to the grand finale, but suffered a six-run defeat to RCB.

“I offer a lot as a captain and player. If I get respect, anything can be accomplished. This is what happened at Punjab. They gave me all the support I needed, whether it was the coaches, management or players. I was in every meeting with the management and coaches, contributing strategically. This is something I love,” Iyer said to GQ India.

Furthermore, Iyer also disclosed that though he was part of the conversation about his release from the KKR franchise after the IPL 2024 season, he wasn’t completely in the mix, adding that he had to work his way to get to the position he is in currently.

“I was part of the conversation but wasn’t completely in the mix. I’ve had to work my way up to get to the position I am in now,” he added.

At the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Punjab Kings bought Iyer for INR 26.75 crore as he emerged as the second-most expensive player in IPL history after Rishabh Pant, who was bought by LSG at INR 27 Crore. 

Iyer accumulated 604 runs from 17 games at an average of 50.3 and a strike rate of 175, leading PBKS franchise to the IPL final for the first time in a decade, emerging as the sixth-leading run-scorer in the IPL 2025 season.

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