Shreyas Iyer’s future in the IPL is the hot topic of the season as rumours swirl around potential team retentions for the upcoming mega auction. Currently, the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Shreyas, is reportedly unsure if he wants to stay with KKR, with which he won the title in 2024, or explore other opportunities.
Reports indicate that KKR is hesitant to spend the top-tier retention amount of ₹18 crore on Iyer, with some sources suggesting they might prioritize players like Andre Russell. On the other hand, it’s rumoured that Iyer may have received higher financial offers from other teams in the league.
Regardless, if Iyer decides to make a switch, many IPL teams would likely be interested. Teams like the Punjab Kings, who need a new captain following Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement, as well as the Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals, might be searching for new leadership too. While KKR might attempt to retain him if terms align, one team seems particularly well-suited for Iyer’s skills and experience—Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Here’s a look at why he could be the ideal choice for RCB.
1. A Fresh Start Under Coach Andy Flower
One major reason Shreyas Iyer might excel at RCB is his potential pairing with coach Andy Flower. RCB’s current captain, Faf du Plessis, brings extensive experience but is now 40. Retaining him might be a short-term move given his age, though he’s proven to be a solid leader, even recently leading St. Lucia Kings to success in the Caribbean Premier League. However, expecting high performance at this level for multiple seasons could be challenging.
A mega auction is an ideal time to invest in a younger, long-term leader. As seen with KKR’s plan around Iyer, building around a new captain and coach partnership can bring out the best in a team. Flower, as a fresh coach, might benefit from teaming up with Iyer to create a team vision for sustained success.
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In addition, international captains like Du Plessis are often under immense scrutiny with each performance. If Faf struggles in 2025, RCB could find itself in a tough spot with limited alternatives. In contrast, Iyer’s age and experience as a successful captain could make him the ideal solution.
2. Chinnaswamy Stadium Could Amplify Iyer’s Batting
Although Shreyas Iyer hasn’t reached the status of an IPL legend, he’s shown that he can be a reliable IPL batter. Known for his strengths in ODIs and Tests, Iyer has yet to consistently demonstrate his T20 potential. However, last season he made significant progress, scoring 351 runs for KKR at a career-best strike rate of 146.86.
RCB’s home ground, Chinnaswamy Stadium, could be the perfect stage for Iyer to showcase his batting prowess. The pitch’s flat nature, coupled with shorter boundaries, would allow Iyer to shine against spinners and adapt to middle-order batting. RCB’s lineup, often heavy with openers but lacking flexible middle-order players, could gain balance with Iyer’s experience.
Last season, Iyer’s role as a middle-order and finishing batter for KKR demonstrated his versatility, making him a strong option to fill gaps in RCB’s lineup. With him, Rajat Patidar, and Mahipal Lomror, RCB’s middle order could form a powerful spin-playing combination.
3. Bringing a Winning Mindset and Seasoned Leadership
RCB has seen an impressive list of leaders over the years, including the likes of Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Kevin Pietersen, Shane Watson, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis. Yet none managed to clinch the IPL title as a captain. Unlike them, Iyer has already tasted success as an IPL-winning captain with KKR.
While Shreyas Iyer may not be as prominent in international T20 cricket as some of these figures, he’s proven himself as a strategic leader. Last season with KKR, Iyer was recognized for his effective bowling choices, quick adjustments, and his ability to get the best out of his teammates. With IPL legends MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma no longer active as captains, Iyer’s experience and leadership skills stand out even more.
RCB has never had the advantage of a captain with this kind of experience in recent seasons and investing in Shreyas Iyer’s leadership might just be what they need to break their drought.
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