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 staggering INR 26.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction.
A stellar 12 months for Iyer
The 30-year-old has had an outstanding year across formats in domestic cricket and the IPL. Apart from leading KKR to IPL glory, Iyer guided the Mumbai team to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. He was also a key member of Ranji Trophy and the Iran Trophy winning team from Mumbai.
Iyer expressed his excitement about taking up the new role at Punjab Kings. “I am honored that the team believed in me. I look forward to working with Coach Ponting again. 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,” said Iyer.
Reuniting with Ricky Ponting
Appointment of Shreyas Iyer as Kings of the Punjab the captain returns him under Ricky Ponting, who is currently the head coach of the team. If that sounds familiar, it's because the two have a history – they previously teamed up at Delhi Capitals and led the franchise to their first IPL final in 2020.
Ponting did not hold back on his emotions either. He praised Iyer's leadership skills and made it clear that he is looking forward to working with him again.
“Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven skills as a captain will enable the team to deliver results. I have enjoyed my time with Iyer in the past in the IPL and look forward to working with him again. “With his leadership and the talent in the squad, I'm excited for the seasons ahead,” said Ponting.
Punjab Kings aim for maiden 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 can turn their fortunes around.
“We had identified Shreyas as our captain and were happy with the outcome of the auction. 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 that our team has a strong leadership group to guide us to our first title,” said Menon.
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