In a recent podcast appearance with Aakash Chopra, the 31-year-old explained that fans frequently flood KKR-related pages with disparaging comments, often lamenting the loss of a player they describe as a diamond. Gill, who was released by KKR, subsequently joined the Gujarat Titans for Rs 8 crore, marking a significant turning point in his career that triggered years of fan frustration directed toward Iyer.
Transition to Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The conversation also touched upon Iyer’s departure from Kolkata ahead of the 2026 auction. Despite KKR having invested Rs 23.75 crore to re-sign him for the 2025 season, the franchise eventually opted to release him. Iyer admitted that he had mentally prepared himself for a departure, even going as far as to approach co-owner Shah Rukh Khan regarding his future before ultimately accepting that his time in the purple jersey had come to an end.
Upon joining the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Iyer experienced a stark contrast in fan culture. He noted the intense devotion of the Bengaluru supporters, recalling instances where fans would treat the team jersey with a level of reverence he had not previously encountered. His integration into the squad began as an Impact Substitute, where he made an immediate impression by scoring an unbeaten 29 off 15 balls during a high-scoring match that ended in a narrow defeat.
Iyer’s contributions proved vital throughout the campaign, highlighted by a standout unbeaten 73 off 40 deliveries against the Punjab Kings. He concluded his season with 209 runs across seven matches at an impressive average of 52.25, playing a key role as RCB successfully defended their
