From contract axe to captaincy talks – Shreyas Iyer’s rollercoaster 15 months

Shreyas Iyer went from being left out of the BCCI central contract list to being in the race for India’s white-ball captaincy. The last 15 months have been a remarkable turnaround. Here’s how it all happened. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025

Contract snub in February 2024

Shreyas Iyer was excluded from the BCCI central contracts list for the 2023-24 season after skipping a Ranji Trophy match citing back pain. NCA’s Nitin Patel later stated Iyer was “fit and available.” By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025

IPL 2024: Leads KKR to the title

Iyer bounced back in May by leading KKR to their third IPL title. He scored 351 runs at an average of 37 and a strike rate of 146.86. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025 Read more

Ends red-ball century drought

In October 2024, Iyer scored 142 in Mumbai’s Ranji match against Maharashtra – his first red-ball hundred in three years. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025

Parts ways with KKR

Iyer wasn’t retained by KKR ahead of the 2025 auction. He eventually fetched INR 26.75 crore from Punjab Kings, becoming the second-most expensive IPL player ever. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025 Read more

Double century after BGT snub

In November 2024, Iyer slammed a 233 against Odisha in the Ranji Trophy. It was his third first-class double century and first since 2017. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025

SMAT glory with Mumbai

Iyer led Mumbai to their second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in December 2024, finishing with 345 runs at a strike rate of 188.52. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025 Read more

Comeback to India's squad

In February 2025, Iyer returned to India’s ODI squad against England. With Kohli injured, Iyer impressed with scores of 59, 44, and 78. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025

Champions Trophy breakthrough

Iyer played a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 win, contributing key middle-order runs including scores of 79, 56, and 48. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025 Read more

Back in BCCI central contract list

In April 2025, Iyer returned to the BCCI contract list under Grade B, marking a full-circle moment in his career revival. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025

IPL 2025 final with PBKS

In June 2025, Iyer led PBKS to their first IPL final in 11 years. He scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07, leading from the front again. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025 Read more

In the race for India captaincy

A BCCI official confirmed that Iyer has now "officially" entered the white-ball captaincy race after his recent run across formats and leadership roles. By: Shubham Pandey Jun 16, 2025