Shreyas Iyer Deserves More Respect: Give His Central Contract Back

On February 28, 2024, the BCCI announced the annual central contracts for the Indian men's cricket team, excluding Shreyas Iyer, India's third-highest run-scorer in the World Cup 2023.

Reports indicated that Shreyas Iyer had complained about a back issue and did not appear for Mumbai's Ranji Trophy quarter-final after being dropped from the India squad for the last three Tests against England.

The BCCI believed this was an excuse to avoid playing Ranji Trophy matches. His presence at the KKR academy raised further questions, leading BCCI selectors and officials to exclude him from the central contracts.

Almost three months later, ahead of the IPL 2024 final between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Shreyas reiterated his back problem. The 29-year-old, who has played 124 matches for India across formats, expressed that no one understood his struggles.

"I was definitely struggling after the World Cup, in terms of the longer format. When I raised my concern, no one was agreeing to it. But at the same time, the competition is with myself," Shreyas said ahead of the IPL final.

24 hours later, Shreyas Iyer led KKR to an IPL 2024 title triumph and received a cheque of Rs 20 crore and a trophy from BCCI president Roger Binny and secretary Jay Shah.

Sharing one of the biggest stages in Indian cricket with the head of the cricketing body that stripped him of his central contract fuelled a wave of emotions in Shreyas Iyer. However, he managed to keep his emotions in check in front of Ravi Shastri.

Shreyas Iyer's character isn't new. After being named 'Emerging Player of the Season' in his debut IPL season with Delhi Capitals in 2015, he took charge from Gautam Gambhir midway through the season in 2018.

He led Delhi Capitals to the playoffs in IPL 2019 but lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Qualifier 2. The following year, Delhi Capitals reached the final under his captaincy.

Rishabh Pant was named DC captain in 2021 after Shreyas was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. The tournament was halted after 29 matches due to Covid-19, and Iyer became fit by September. However, management persisted with Pant as captain.

KKR bought him for Rs 12.25 crore in the IPL 2022 auction and named him captain. He missed the entire 2023 season due to injury but returned to lead KKR to glory in IPL 2024. Delhi Capitals are still awaiting their maiden title.

While KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir is getting applause, it was Shreyas Iyer making crucial decisions on the field, perfecting bowling changes, placing fields strategically, and scoring handy runs.

After KKR were crowned IPL 2024 champions, Ambati Rayudu suggested that Shreyas Iyer should be made the next India captain. He was considered once before names like Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant emerged.

Leading a franchise to victory after being dropped from the national team's central contract is noteworthy. Thriving among strong characters like Gautam Gambhir, Chandrakant Pandit, and Abhishek Nayar is significant. He deserves celebration just as he celebrates with the IPL trophy.

Shreyas Iyer gave tribute to Lionel Messi by recreating the World Cup trophy lifting celebration ???? #ShahRukhKhan #KKRvsSRHFinal #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/dySMblhDya

Aamir Khan ???? (@AAMIRSRK45) May 26, 2024

At least give Shreyas Iyer's central contract back

Players have participated in World Cups after exceptional IPL performances. For a player like Shreyas Iyer, can BCCI not reinstate his central contract? He played across all formats for India last year. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has praised his captaincy. Having a calm head like Shreyas Iyer would be beneficial when three of India's biggest stars are over 30 years old.