Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop slammed trolls for targetting Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer. Despite KKR sitting top of the table, Iyer has been on the receiving end of some harsh criticism on social media from fans, who have instead credited mentor and former captain Gautam Gambhir for the franchise’s stunning form this season. Taking to X, Bishop shut down multiple trolls and questioned fans for showing double standards by attributing KKR’s wins to Gambhir and defeats to Iyer.
While Gambhir has certainly brought the winning mentality back at KKR, Bishop highlighted Iyer’s respectable record as captain during the previous seasons.
“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 responded to fan on his post.
Questioned the double standards, Bishop argued saying: “So GG gets the praise when they win. Shreyas gets the blame if they lose? Or will you say its GG’s fault to if they lose?”
Since returning to the franchise as a mentor, Gambhir has been pretty active in the dugout, passing on tactical aide to Iyer during timeouts and breaks.
Speaking at the press conference on Sunday, KKR pacer Harshit Rana also credit Gambhir for his tactical brilliance.
On Sunday, red-hot Sunil Narine smashed 81 off 39 balls to help KKR thrash Lucknow Super Giants by 98 runs and take top spot in IPL table.
Narine’s blitz, laced with six fours and seven sixes, guided Kolkata to 235-6 after they were invited to bat first in Lucknow’s final home game.
Two-time champions Kolkata bowled out Lucknow for 137 in 16.1 overs for their eighth win in 11 matches and almost guaranteed a play-off berth. Second-placed Rajasthan Royals have played one match fewer.
The top four teams will make the play-offs with the final on May 26 in Chennai.
