KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2025: ‘There’ll be a Bit of Fire in The Belly’ – Rayudu on Shreyas Iyer’s Return to Eden

Former India cricketer turned commentator Ambati Rayudu believes Sheryas Iyer will be pumped up do well on his return to the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday (April 26) when he captains Punjab Kings against his former side Kolkata Knight Riders in match 44 of IPL 2025.

Having already got one over his former employers in Mullanpur, where PBKS defended the lowest total of 111 by bowling out KKR for 95, this isn't just another IPL fixture for the dynamic right-hander.

The KKR vs PBKS clash is a homecoming for Shreyas, a reunion with his former team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, the very side he captained to IPL glory just last season. Speaking on the upcoming clash, former India international Rayudu highlighted the emotional undercurrents surrounding Iyer's return.

"He'll carry great memories of the ground and of KKR, having won the IPL with them last season," Rayudu said on JioStar. The weight of that shared triumph will undoubtedly linger, creating a unique backdrop for this encounter.

However, beneath the nostalgia lies a competitive edge. Iyer's journey took an unexpected turn when he wasn't retained by the Knight Riders, a decision that would naturally fuel a burning desire to prove his worth.

"There'll be a bit of fire in the belly-he wasn't retained, and now he's captaining Punjab," Rayudu astutely pointed out. This twist of fate has presented Iyer with a fresh challenge and a platform to showcase his leadership prowess with a new franchise.

Now at the helm of the Punjab Kings, Iyer carries the responsibility of guiding a team that appears to have significantly bolstered its ranks. Rayudu echoed this sentiment, stating, "Punjab looks the stronger side this season, and I see them as serious contenders for the playoffs."

For the Kolkata Knight Riders, this match presents its own set of challenges as they look to push for a playoff spot. They will be facing a familiar face, a player who understands their home conditions and the nuances of their gameplay.

While they will undoubtedly aim to secure a victory on their home turf, KKR led by Ajinkya Rahane will also be wary of the motivated force that Iyer brings to the Punjab Kings, who are already four points clear of KKR as things stand in IPL 2025.