Former Indian captain Anil Kumble has criticised the decision by Kolkata Knight Riders to release Shreyas Iyer ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 season. According to Kumble the move weakened the team’s championship core and left the franchise without a proven title winning leader.
Kumble highlighted that Kolkata’s previous success was built around several key players including Iyer and Phil Salt who played important roles during the franchise’s title winning campaign. Letting both players leave according to him disrupted the stability of the squad that once delivered success.
The former India spinner believes the team overlooked the importance of leadership continuity in a highly competitive tournament like the IPL. In his view the franchise did not just release a strong batter but also a captain who had already proven his ability to guide a team to a championship.
Kumble explained that maintaining a consistent core group of players is often vital for sustained success in the IPL. By parting ways with experienced performers from their winning combination the team may have weakened its structure going into future seasons.
He also emphasised that Iyer’s captaincy abilities often go underappreciated despite his consistent leadership record. The cricketer has demonstrated the capability to lead teams successfully even in different environments and under varying pressures.
After leaving Kolkata Iyer joined Punjab Kings where he quickly made an impact. In his first season with the franchise he guided the team to the IPL final after a decade long absence from the championship match.
Kumble noted that achieving such results with a new team highlights Iyer’s leadership qualities. Moving to a different franchise involves adjusting to new management new teammates and different expectations which can make success more challenging.
For the former leg spinner these achievements reinforce the argument that Kolkata may have underestimated the value of their former captain. According to Kumble the decision to let Iyer leave could prove to be a major strategic mistake for the franchise in the long run.