Home
Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) paid the price in IPL 2025 after letting go of their title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer before the season. Kumble said the franchise’s habit of not retaining key players hurt their chances of defending the trophy.
KKR had won their third IPL title in 2024 under Iyer’s leadership, with Phil Salt also playing a major role. However, both players were released ahead of the 2025 season. Speaking on Star Sports, Kumble criticised the franchise for parting ways with two important contributors from their championship-winning team.
“Two years ago, KKR lifted the IPL trophy, and two crucial players were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both were key to that win. But KKR let both go. There’s no consistency in how they retain players. Letting Iyer and Salt leave was the wrong decision and left them without an IPL-winning captain,” Kumble said.
ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir reveals advice he gave Abhishek Sharma after his three T20 World Cup 2026 ducks
Kumble on Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy
While Ajinkya Rahane is a seasoned player with leadership experience, Kumble stressed that having a captain who has already won the IPL gives a team an added edge.
“Yes, Rahane is experienced and has led Mumbai domestically and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, but he hasn’t won the IPL as captain. Having someone who has already lifted the trophy gives you an advantage,” Kumble added.
Kumble also said KKR needs to learn to hold on to their top players if they want to stay serious title contenders.
"KKR lost that advantage. They must learn to keep their key players, or they’ll keep struggling and won’t be considered favourites to win the trophy,” he said.
Shreyas Iyer's record as IPL captain
After leaving KKR, Iyer joined Punjab Kings and immediately made an impact, guiding the team to the IPL final in his first season, which was the first for the franchise in nearly a decade.
ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir explains why Sanju Samson was brought back into India’s T20 World Cup 2026 XI
Kumble praised Iyer’s leadership, calling him one of the most underrated captains in the IPL.
“Shreyas Iyer is certainly underrated. Winning a trophy with one team and then moving to another is not easy. The environment, management, and pressure are all different,” he said.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will start their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 29 at iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
ADVERTISEMENT
