“Praise Gautam Gambhir for KKR win, blame Shreyas Iyer”: West Indies legend slams double standards

Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop has criticized trolls for attacking Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer. Despite KKR being top of the table, Iyer has received harsh criticism from fans on social media, who have instead given credit to mentor and former captain Gautam Gambhir for the franchise’s impressive form this season. Going to X, Bishop shut down several trolls and called out fans for showing double standards by attributing KKR’s wins to Gambhir and losses to Iyer.

While Gambhir has certainly brought back the winning mentality to KKR, Bishop highlighted Iyer’s respectable record as captain in the previous seasons.

“Shreyas became DC captain in 2018 when GG stepped down after DC lost 5 of the first 6 gms. DC then finished the season by winning 4 of the next 8 games. 2019 DC 3rd, 2020 DC 2nd. Injury in 2021 and only 8gms, so Pant was captain. For KKR 2022, new franchise, 7th Lost in 2023. 2024,” Bishop replied to the fan in his post.

Asked about the double standards, Bishop argued by saying, “So GG gets praise when he wins. Does Shreyas get the blame if he loses? Or will you say it’s GG’s fault if he loses?”

So GG gets praise when he wins. Does Shreyas get the blame if he loses? Or will you say it’s GG’s fault if they lose?

-Ian Raphael Bispo (@irbishi) May 6, 2024

Since returning to the franchise as a mentor, Gambhir has been quite active on the bench, handing over the tactical advisor to Iyer during breaks and breaks.

Speaking at the press conference on Sunday, KKR pacer Harshit Rana also gave credit to Gambhir for his tactical brilliance.

On Sunday, the fiery Sunil Narine hit 81 off 39 balls to help KKR defeat Lucknow Super Giants by 98 runs and take top spot in the IPL table.

Narine’s blitz, accompanied by six fours and seven sixes, took Kolkata to 235-6 after they were asked to bat first in Lucknow’s last home game.

Two-time champions Kolkata bowled out Lucknow for 137 in 16.1 overs for their eighth win in 11 matches and almost secured a play-off spot. Second-placed Rajasthan Royals have played one game less.

The four best teams will compete in the play-offs, with the final on May 26, in Chennai.