Subhechcha Ganguly 
Former KKR captain and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under intense scrutiny from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) loyalists after the team suffered a dramatic collapse, being bowled out for just 95 while chasing 112 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh on Tuesday, April 15. PBKS successfully defended the lowest total in IPL history, securing a 16-run win as KKR crumbled from 72/3 to 95 all out in 15.1 overs.
Gambhir, who played a key role in KKR’s previous IPL titles — captaining them in 2012 and 2014 and mentoring the team during their 2024 title win — trended overnight on X (formerly Twitter) as fans blamed him for “stealing credit” from former captain Shreyas Iyer. The controversy resurfaced after Iyer, now captain of PBKS, showcased sharp leadership with field placements and bowling changes that turned the tide in Punjab’s favor.
Many fans have long believed that Iyer was the true architect behind KKR’s 2024 title run, despite most players publicly crediting Gambhir. The decision by KKR to release Iyer before the IPL 2025 mega auction stirred further backlash, especially as PBKS signed him for a staggering ₹26.7 crore.
Speaking after the match, Iyer said:
“It is hard to express in words. I was just backing my instincts. I saw the ball turn a bit and asked Yuzi to control his breathing. We needed to stay aggressive with the right fielders in place. These are the kinds of wins that feel extra special.”
The match marked Iyer’s first appearance against his former team since the controversial fallout, and fans wasted no time pointing fingers at Gambhir, now distanced from IPL activities due to his national coaching role following Rahul Dravid’s exit after India’s T20 World Cup victory.
Despite efforts from Kolkata captain Ajinkya Rahane and impact sub Angkrish Raghuvanshi, KKR’s lower-order collapse saw them lose eight wickets for just 33 runs.
The brewing tension between Gambhir’s legacy and Iyer’s overlooked leadership has once again ignited fierce debate among KKR supporters — a narrative that could shape much of IPL 2025.
