Overview

• In a GQ India interview, Iyer said he offered a lot as a leader but was only partly heard at Kolkata Knight Riders, contrasting that with full involvement and respect at Punjab Kings.
• Punjab Kings bought Iyer for INR 26.75 crore at the 2025 auction, after which he scored 604 runs and captained them to the IPL final under coach Ricky Ponting.
• Despite strong IPL form and a leading role in India’s Champions Trophy campaign, Iyer was left out of India’s Asia Cup T20 squad and not named among the reserves.
• He has since been named captain of India A for two multi-day matches against Australia A.
• A Jagran News journalist alleged a senior selector opposed Iyer’s Asia Cup selection due to a personal grudge, a claim not independently verified, while coverage continues to link him as a candidate for India’s future ODI captaincy.