Shreyas Iyer has officially taken over as the captain of Punjab Kings for the 2025 IPL season. The big news comes right after he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title in 2024. Surprisingly, KKR released him after that successful season. However, Punjab Kings wasted no time and grabbed the Mumbai batter for a jaw-dropping INR 26.75 crore at the 2025 mega auction.
A Stellar 12 Months for Iyer
The 30-year-old has had a remarkable year across formats in domestic cricket and the IPL. Apart from leading KKR to IPL glory, Iyer captained the Mumbai team to victory in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was also a key member of the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy-winning Mumbai side.
Iyer expressed his excitement about taking up the new role at Punjab Kings. “I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with Coach Ponting. The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title,” Iyer said.
Reuniting with Ricky Ponting
Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as Punjab Kings captain brings him back under the guidance of Ricky Ponting, who’s currently the team’s head coach. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the two have a history—they previously teamed up at Delhi Capitals and took the franchise to its first-ever IPL final in 2020.
Ponting didn’t hold back on his excitement, either. He praised Iyer’s leadership skills and made it clear he’s looking forward to working with him again.
“Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver. I have enjoyed my time with Iyer in the past in IPL, and I look forward to working with him again. With his leadership and the talent in the squad, I am excited about the seasons ahead,” Ponting said.
Punjab Kings Aim for First IPL Title
Punjab Kings are yet to win their first IPL trophy. They came close to the title in 2014. However, they lost to KKR in the final. However, PBKS CEO Satish Menon believes bringing in Shreyas Iyer could turn their fortunes.
“We had identified Shreyas as our captain and were delighted with the auction result. He has already proven himself to master the format, and his vision for the team aligns perfectly with our goals. With him and Ponting joining hands again, we are confident our team has a solid leadership group to guide us to our first title,” Menon said.
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