Shreyas Iyer has officially taken over as the captain of Punjab Kings for the IPL season 2025. The big news comes right after he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title in 2024. Surprisingly, KKR released him after that successful season. However, the Punjab Kings wasted no time and grabbed the Mumbai batter for a whopping ₹26.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction.
A stellar 12 months for Iyer
The 30-year-old has had an outstanding year across all formats of domestic cricket and the IPL. Besides leading KKR to IPL glory, Iyer captained the Mumbai team to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2024. He was also a key member Early trophy and Iran’s Mumbai trophy winner.
Iyer expressed his excitement at taking up his new role with the Punjab Kings. “I am honored that the team has placed their trust 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.
A reunion with Ricky Ponting
Appointment of Shreyas Iyer as Kings of the Punjab the captain brings him back under Ricky Ponting, who is currently the head coach of the team. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the two have history — they previously teamed up at Delhi Capitals and led the franchise to their first IPL final in 2020.
Ponting didn’t hold back his excitement either. He praised Iyer’s leadership skills and made it clear that he looked forward to working with him again.
“Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven ability 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 talent in the squad, I am excited about the seasons ahead,” said Ponting.
Punjab Kings aim for first IPL title
Punjab Kings are yet to win their first IPL trophy. The titles came close in 2014. However, they lost to KKR in the final. However, PBKS CEO Satish Menon believes bringing in Shreyas Iyer could turn their fortunes around.
“We identified Shreyas as our captain and were delighted with the auction result. He has already proven that he knows the format, and his vision for the team is perfectly aligned with our goals. With him and Ponting teaming up again, we are confident that our team has a solid leadership group to guide us to our maiden title,” said Menon.
Stay updated with all the cricket action, follow Cricadius on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
Source link
