KKR lost key pillars of their title-winning side
KKR lifted their third IPL trophy in 2024 with Iyer leading the side and Salt playing a crucial role at the top of the order. However, both players moved to new franchises soon after. Iyer joined Punjab Kings and guided them to their first IPL final in nearly a decade in his very first season. Meanwhile, Salt moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he played a key role in their maiden IPL title win.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble questioned KKR’s decision to release both players.
"Two years ago, KKR won the IPL and lifted their third trophy. Two important cogs in that wheel were Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt. Both played crucial roles in helping them win but KKR let both of them go," Kumble noted in a JioHotstar release.
"There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention. KKR took the wrong decision by letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt leave (and) that has left them without an IPL-winning captain."
KKR have since appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their captain. While Kumble acknowledged Rahane’s experience, he noted that the veteran batter has yet to win the IPL as a captain.
"Yes, Ajinkya Rahane is an experienced campaigner. He has led Mumbai in domestic cricket and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. But he has not lifted the IPL title as (a) captain (yet)," Kumble said.
"Having a skipper who has won the trophy gives you an advantage. KKR let go of that advantage. They need to learn how to keep hold of their key players. Otherwise, they will keep struggling and cannot be considered favourites to win the trophy," the legendary spinner added.
Kumble praises Iyer’s leadership
The legendary spinner also praised Iyer’s leadership, calling him an underrated captain.
"Shreyas Iyer is certainly an underrated skipper. It is not easy to win a trophy with one franchise and then go to another. There is a different management, atmosphere and a team. The pressure is also different," he noted.
"...the new franchise he joined had not played in the final in the last 10 years and in just his first season with the Punjab Kings, he took them to the final. I was not just impressed by his captaincy, but (also with) the way he led the team from the front."
"There are some players who have to prove themselves every time. Shreyas is like that. Even after performing, questions still come up. I think he is underrated, but is an exceptional leader."
The former India coach in the headlines is Anil Kumble.
Speaking on JioHotstar ahead of the 2026 IPL season (which begins on March 28), Kumble criticized Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their decision to release Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt following their 2024 title win.
Kumble’s Main Arguments:
The "Wrong" Decision: Kumble stated that KKR made a massive strategic mistake by letting go of the core players who helped them win their third trophy.
He noted that there is "no consistency" in the franchise's player retention strategy. Lack of a Title-Winning Captain: By releasing Iyer, Kumble argues KKR has lost the "advantage" of having a captain who knows how to win the IPL.
While he acknowledged the experience of their new skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, he pointed out that Rahane has not yet won the tournament as a captain. Iyer as an "Underrated" Leader:
Kumble praised Iyer for his ability to lead different franchises under pressure. He highlighted that Iyer moved to Punjab Kings (PBKS) and immediately led them to their first final in ten years (in the 2025 season).
The Broader Context
The criticism is particularly sharp because KKR struggled significantly in 2025, finishing at the bottom of the table and failing to qualify for the playoffs.
Shreyas Iyer: Transformed the fortunes of Punjab Kings.
Phil Salt: Played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their maiden IPL title last year.
Kumble warned that unless KKR learns to hold onto their "key cogs," they will continue to struggle and cannot be considered favorites for the upcoming 2026 season.
Since you follow the T20 World Cup and player stats closely, would you like me to check Shreyas Iyer's recent form or his stats from the 2025 IPL season?
