Speaking about Iyer\u2019s leadership journey, Kumble highlighted how difficult it is for a captain to succeed across different franchises in the highly competitive environment of the IPL. According to Kumble, the transition between teams often brings new challenges ranging from management dynamics to team culture.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cShreyas 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. 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,\u201d Kumble told JioStar while discussing Iyer\u2019s impact at the Punjab Kings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kumble also praised Iyer\u2019s ability to lead from the front, emphasising that the batter\u2019s contributions go beyond tactical decisions on the field, as he said, \u201cI was not just impressed by his captaincy, but 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former India captain also turned his attention to Kolkata Knight Riders and their retention strategy, questioning the franchise\u2019s decision to release key members of their title-winning squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTwo 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. There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention,\u201d Kumble remarked.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He further argued that letting go of a title-winning captain can significantly weaken a team\u2019s structure and leadership stability, saying, \u201cKKR took the wrong decision by letting Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt leave. That has left them without an IPL-winning 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 Captain. Having a skipper who has won the trophy gives you an advantage.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTwo 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. There is no consistency from them in terms of player retention,\u201d Kumble remarked.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cKKR 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,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n