Shreyas Iyer: The Rise of Sarpanch Sahab and His Unseen Struggles
Shreyas Iyer, fondly dubbed Sarpanch Sahab by fans, has scripted a remarkable tale of resilience and leadership in the IPL 2025 season. Despite leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the IPL 2025 final, his journey has been overshadowed by a lack of recognition and controversial exclusions from the Indian Test team. This article dives into Iyer’s inspiring story, his cricket career, and the challenges he’s faced, all while crafting an SEO-friendly narrative to captivate readers and rank high on search engines.
Who Is Shreyas Iyer, the Sarpanch Sahab?
Shreyas Iyer, a stylish right-handed batsman and astute captain, has become a household name in Indian cricket. His nickname, Sarpanch Sahab, emerged during his stint with Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, reflecting his calm, commanding presence on and off the field. Fans and teammates admire his ability to lead with swagger, earning him endearing titles like the “village headman” of Punjab Kings.
The Origin of the Sarpanch Sahab Moniker
The Sarpanch Sahab tag began as locker-room banter within the PBKS camp, initiated by the team management. It quickly caught on, with fans embracing it as a symbol of Iyer’s grounded yet authoritative leadership. In a candid chat with PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta, Iyer shared a hilarious anecdote: five fans at a traffic signal promised to name a road after him if he won the IPL 2025 title. “I have no clue how I got this name, but it’s tagged along,” Iyer quipped.
Shreyas Iyer’s Stellar IPL 2025 Performance
Iyer’s IPL 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. Leading Punjab Kings, a franchise with a history of inconsistency, he guided them to their second-ever IPL final, their first since 2014. His leadership, coupled with a stellar batting record, made him the heart of PBKS’s campaign.
Key Highlights of Iyer’s IPL 2025 Season
Batting Prowess: Iyer scored 603 runs in 16 matches, averaging 54.81 with a strike rate of 175.80, including six fifties. His unbeaten 87 against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 was a masterclass in pressure handling.
Leadership: Iyer became the only captain to lead three different IPL franchises (Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings) to the finals, showcasing his tactical brilliance.
Team Success: Despite losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final, Iyer’s Punjab Kings finished atop the league stage with nine wins, a testament to his ability to rally a team.
The Heartbreak of the IPL 2025 Final
In the IPL 2025 final, Iyer faced a setback, scoring just 1 run off 2 balls before being dismissed by Romario Shepherd. His early exit sparked wild celebrations from RCB players, including Virat Kohli, and drew harsh criticism from former cricketer Yograj Singh, who labeled Iyer’s shot a “criminal offence.” Despite the loss, Iyer remained optimistic, promising PBKS fans, “The job is still half done.”
The Unfair Exclusion from the Indian Test Team
While Iyer’s IPL 2025 heroics earned him widespread acclaim, his exclusion from the Indian Test team remains a contentious issue. Despite a stellar cricket career, Iyer has been sidelined, raising questions about the selectors’ decisions.
Iyer’s Removal from the Test Team
In 2024, Iyer was dropped from the Indian Test squad and lost his BCCI central contract, a move that shocked fans and analysts. Concerns about his fitness, form, and mental resilience were cited, despite his proven track record. Posts on X echoed public frustration, with fans arguing that Iyer’s talent was being overlooked due to partiality by selectors like Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir.
Domestic Cricket Comeback
Rather than sulking, Iyer returned to domestic cricket with a vengeance. In the Ranji Trophy, he amassed 452 runs in 5 innings at an average of 90.4. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he smashed 201 runs in 2 innings at an average of 201 and a strike rate of 210. His performances were a loud statement to the selectors, yet he was ignored for the England Test series starting June 20, 2025.
Captaincy Credentials Ignored
Iyer’s leadership in IPL 2025 sparked discussions about his potential as India’s white-ball captain, especially for the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, Sunil Gavaskar cautioned against the narrative, emphasizing Shubman Gill’s role as Test captain. Iyer’s exclusion from Test and T20I squads, despite his domestic and IPL form, remains a sore point for fans who believe he deserves a fair shot.
Why Shreyas Iyer Deserves More Credit
Iyer’s journey is a tale of resilience, reinvention, and uncelebrated brilliance. Leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title was a career highlight, yet his contributions were overshadowed by the coaching staff. His release by KKR and subsequent rise with PBKS in IPL 2025 prove his ability to thrive under pressure.
The Sarpanch Sahab Legacy
Iyer’s Sarpanch Sahab persona is more than a nickname—it’s a symbol of his connection with fans and teammates. His emotional bond with PBKS supporters, who offered to name roads and even a village after him, underscores his impact. Despite the lack of national team recognition, Iyer’s leadership and batting prowess make him a fan favorite.
What’s Next for Shreyas Iyer?
As IPL 2026 approaches, Iyer will aim to lead PBKS to their maiden title, fulfilling his “trophy” promise to fans. His domestic performances and leadership credentials position him as a strong contender for India’s white-ball captaincy, but his Test team return remains uncertain. Will Sarpanch Sahab finally get the recognition he deserves? Only time will tell.
Fan Support and Social Media Buzz
Social media platforms, especially X, are abuzz with support for Iyer. Fans have criticized the BCCI and selectors, with posts highlighting his Ranji Trophy and IPL 2025 exploits. The hashtag #ShreyasIyer trends frequently, reflecting his growing popularity and the demand for his inclusion in the national setup.
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s Sarpanch Sahab journey is a testament to his grit, talent, and leadership. From leading PBKS to the IPL 2025 final to battling exclusion from the Indian Test team, Iyer’s story resonates with fans who see him as an underdog fighting for his due. This SEO-friendly article, packed with bolded keywords like Shreyas Iyer, Sarpanch Sahab, and IPL 2025, aims to shine a light on his uncelebrated brilliance while driving traffic and engagement. Let’s rally behind Sarpanch Sahab as he continues to script his legacy in Indian cricket.
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