IPL 2022: “I couldn’t control my emotions”, Shreyas Iyer in first interview as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders couldn’t have asked for a better build-up regarding their newly announced captain ahead of the 15th season of the tournament scheduled to take place between March 26 and May 29.

KKR appointed India batsman Shreyas Iyer as Morgan’s successor about a couple of weeks ago. In addition to Sourav Ganguly, Brendon McCullum, Gautam Gambhir, Dinesh Karthik and Morgan, Iyer will be the sixth captain for the Knight Riders.

Having won the Man of the Series award in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, Iyer made three consecutive half-centuries without being dismissed even once.

In a video posted on Kolkata’s social media platform Twitter, Iyer said he has a much different mindset now. “I’m now more experienced and mature in terms of my decision-making and captaincy skills. I’m looking forward to working with every individual in the team to build that synergy that could help the team perform at a higher level,” Iyer said.

Due to a shoulder injury, Iyer did not only miss the first half of IPL 2021 but was also removed as captain by the Delhi Capitals. He played under Rishabh Pant in the second leg of the 14th season in the UAE.

Iyer, who made his debut for Capitals in 2015, played for the franchise for seven consecutive seasons amassing 2,375 runs in 87 matches (second-highest for a Delhi player) at an average and strike rate of 31.66 and 123.95 with 16 half-centuries.

Between 2018 and 2020, Iyer had also led DC in 41 matches (won 21, lost 18 and tied 2), the second-highest total in the history of the cash-rich league. The only player who has led the Capitals (then Daredevils) more than Iyer was former Indian batter Virender Sehwag (52).
Since Delhi did not retain Iyer among their four players, Iyer chose to enter the auction instead of joining either of the two new teams.

It was expected that Iyer would draw immediate interest during the auction in Bengaluru earlier this month. Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow SuperGiants participated in an intense bidding war that skyrocketed Iyer’s price (from a starting price of INR 2 crore).

In the end, it was the Knight Riders who acquired Iyer’s services for a staggering INR 12 crore per season. Iyer, who watched the mega auction from a team hotel with his Indian teammates, recalled being nervous and unable to control his emotions despite “trying” to appear relaxed.

“I watched the auction and KKR immediately went for me. Also, there were other big franchises coming along, and the battle was on. “All of us [Indian team members] were watching the auction together,” Iyer said.

“I felt my heartbeat pumping and I couldn’t control my emotions. I was trying to act relaxed but I was feeling nervous. So, KKR eventually got me. That feeling was amazing. I’m really proud.”