After leading KKR to the IPL trophy last year and Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this season, Shreyas Iyer is set to captain the Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
The right-hand batter of India and Mumbai, Shreyas Iyer, who became the second-most expensive player after Rishab Pant in the IPL 2025 auction, is set to lead the Punjab Kings team in the IPL 2025. The announcement was made on Sunday on a reality television show Bigg Boss Season 18, where Iyer appeared as a guest along with other PBKS teammates Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh.
Iyer at 30 is one of the only 8 IPL winning captains who led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title last year. After having served KKR from 2022 to 2024, in the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, PBKS, having the strongest purse, outbid Delhi Capitals, who was another strong franchise, to bag Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.75 crore (USD 3.18 million approx) – the second most expensive player in IPL after Rishabh Pant, who was sold for INR 27 crore to the Lucknow Super Giants.
“Being trusted by the team makes me feel overwhelmed. According to a statement, Iyer stated, “I am excited to get back together with coach [Ricky] Ponting.” “The team appears to be strong, with a good balance of established performers and potential. By achieving our first title, I expect to win back the trust of the management.” Shreyas Iyer said.
After making his IPL debut with DC in 2015 and serving KKR from 2022 to 2024, PBKS will be the third IPL franchise of Shreyas Iyer. Notably, in 2018, DC appointed Shreyas as the team captain and made it to the playoffs in each of the next three seasons, including a runners-up finish in 2020. Further, finishing fourth among the tournament’s leading run-getters with 345 runs, including a century, in nine innings at a strike rate of 188.52 and an average of over 49, Shreyas led Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title this season.
Appointed as PBKS head coach for four years, Ricky Ponting is set to reunite with Shreyas Iyer after having a successful partnership as coach-captain for DC. Ponting was a major factor behind PBKS bidding so fiercely for Shreyas Iyer at the auction and even dropped strong hints about appointing Iyer as the captain after the mega auction.
Ricky Ponting, head coach of PBKS, stated. “Shreyas has a sharp mind, according to the game. His demonstrated abilities as captain will enable the team to perform. I’ve already collaborated with Iyer in the IPL, and I’m just as thrilled to do it again. Because of his leadership and the quality on the team, I am excited for the next seasons.”
Well, with Iyer’s record over the years, successful seasons with Ricky Ponting, and the strong base of the team, it will be interesting to see whether he leads PBKS to their maiden title. Undoubtedly, Iyer’s leadership can prove to be a key turning point for PBKS, thus making the season more thrilling and exciting.
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