Shreyas Iyer taking dig at Gautam Gambhir? PBKS skipper drops "don't try to change anyone" bombshell

Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer has opened up about his approach to leadership ahead of the IPL 2025 clash against his former team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The middle-order batter stated that he doesn’t think about the past and future, adding that he will stay and be present on the field.

Punjab Kings are set to take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 31 of IPL 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh on Tuesday, April 15. PBKS will be looking to bounce back after a tough outing against SunRisers Hyderabad, where they failed to defend 246 runs.

Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings Have Had Similar Campaigns

Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings have had similar campaigns in the ongoing IPL 2025 so far. KKR have secured three wins from six matches and are in fifth place on the table with a net run rate of +0.803. PBKS, with three victories from five games, is just behind them due to a lower NRR of +0.065.

Kolkata will enter into the match with momentum after defeating Chennai Super Kings, while Punjab are looking to bounce back following a high-scoring loss to SunRisers Hyderabad. Both sides boast impactful players in form with both bat and ball, capable of changing the course of the game on their own.

Don't Try To Change Anyone - Shreyas Iyer

In a video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) by Star Sports, Shreyas Iyer was asked about the kind of leadership style he is developing. Iyer responded that remaining calm and composed on the field helps him perform more effectively. Fans interpreted his remarks as a subtle dig at Gautam Gambhir.

"I think over a period of time, I've realized that the more relaxed I am, the calmer and more composed I stay on the field, the easier it gets. I don't stress too much about what's happening or what might happen," Shreyas Iyer said.

"I just live in the moment, stay present, and focus on what I can control. As a captain, you will get a lot of characters in the team as a captain. And I feel that you don't try to change anyone—just let them be," he added.

I Personally Felt I Didn't Get the Recognition I Wanted - Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer hasn’t received the recognition after Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) 2024 title-winning campaign. KKR delivered one of the most dominant seasons in IPL history, topping the league stage and defeating SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in both Qualifier 1 and the final to secure their third IPL crown.

"I personally felt I didn't get the recognition I wanted to after winning the IPL but at the end of the day, as long as you have self integrity and you keep doing the right things when no one is watching, that is more important and that is what I kept doing," Shreyas had said last month.

Gautam Gambhir was KKR’s mentor in IPL 2024. However, KKR did not retain Iyer ahead of the 2025 auction. He was acquired by PBKS for a staggering ₹26.75 crores—the second-highest bid in IPL auction history. His leadership skills were a major reason behind the big price tag, not just his batting prowess.

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