Ian Bishop Slams Trolls for Targeting KKR Captain Shreyas Iyer
Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop has come to the defense of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer, who has faced criticism from fans despite the team’s impressive performance this season.
Bishop took to social media to question the double standards of fans who attribute KKR’s wins to mentor Gautam Gambhir but blame Iyer for their losses. He highlighted Iyer’s respectable record as captain during his previous seasons with the Delhi Capitals (DC).
“Shreyas became DC captain in 2018 when GG stepped down after DC lost 5 of first 6 gms. DC then finished the season winning 4 of next 8 games. 2019 DC 3rd, 2020 DC 2nd. 2021 injury & only 8gms so Pant captained. To KKR 2022, new franchise, 7th. Missed 2023. 2024,” Bishop tweeted.
Bishop argued that if Gambhir receives praise for KKR’s victories, then Iyer should not be solely blamed for their defeats. He also questioned whether fans would blame Gambhir if the team lost.
Gambhir has been actively involved in the dugout since returning to KKR as a mentor, providing tactical advice to Iyer. However, Bishop believes that Iyer deserves credit for the team’s success.
KKR pacer Harshit Rana also acknowledged Gambhir’s tactical brilliance at a recent press conference.
On Sunday, Sunil Narine’s blistering 81 off 39 balls helped KKR thrash Lucknow Super Giants by 98 runs and take top spot in the IPL table. The win almost guarantees KKR a play-off berth.