Saturday’s encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens will be about more than just important IPL 2025 points. It will signify an emotional return for Shreyas Iyer – a title-winning KKR captain now at the helm of the opposing team, driven by what many see as an unfair dismissal.

Iyer, who led KKR to IPL triumph last season, was not kept by the franchise prior to the mega auction. Although KKR attempted to reacquire him, Punjab Kings triumphed with a staggering INR 26. 75 crore bid. Earlier in the season, Iyer orchestrated a remarkable low-score defense, leading PBKS to a win over KKR in Mullanpur; a result that left the Kolkata camp feeling the sting.

Now, as the squads get ready for the rematch in Kolkata, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar believes Iyer will be eager to demonstrate his abilities.

"He will be energized. And if he had been, you know, I’ve been out of form, if they had not performed well, then one could comprehend. But the captain of a victorious team not being retained will indeed sting. No doubt about it, that will hurt," Gavaskar told the broadcasters, as cited by India Today.

While the enormous auction price may have alleviated some of the pain, Gavaskar maintained it would only serve as a minor consolation.

"Now he’s got, he went for much, much more to PBKS, which is fine. That may have provided him with a bit of comfort, but nobody wants to be left out, and that is the crux. So clearly, I think he will have a point to prove. Or perhaps half a dozen points to prove," he added.

Clarke comments on the previous result's influence on KKR

Michael Clarke, on the other hand, shared his thoughts on KKR’s mental state as they approach the match against Punjab Kings. The former Australian captain does not anticipate that the defeat in Mullanpur will weigh too heavily on the home team.

"No, I don’t believe they will. I think that game will remain in KKR’s memory, and they won’t want to discuss it ever again, but I think it’s going to be an exciting match. Let’s see what kind of pitch we receive. I think both teams are in dire need of a win. "

Clarke further likened KKR to Mumbai Indians, implying that the team possesses the capability to rebound convincingly.

"KKR is underperforming with their roster. . . I think KKR's one of those teams like Mumbai. If they get on a roll, they’re incredibly destructive," he stated.

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