Shreyas Iyer Appointed Captain of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025
Shreyas Iyer to Lead Punjab Kings After Record-Breaking Auction Price
Shreyas Iyer has been named the captain of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025. The announcement was made during a special appearance on the reality TV show Big Boss, where Iyer joined his PBKS teammates Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh.
A New Chapter for Iyer and PBKS
Iyer, the second-most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction, was bought by PBKS for INR 26.75 crore (approximately USD 3.18 million), a momentarily record-breaking bid that cemented his position as one of the most coveted players in the league. The announcement of his appointment as captain marks a significant milestone in his IPL career, which now sees him at the helm of his third franchise.
Iyer’s Journey to Leadership
“I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me,” said Iyer, expressing his excitement about the new role. He also emphasized his eagerness to work again with coach Ricky Ponting, who was appointed PBKS head coach for a four-year term. Iyer’s leadership credentials are well-established, having previously captained Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the 2024 IPL, making him one of only eight players to have won the prestigious title as captain.
A Strong Partnership with Ponting
Ricky Ponting, who coached Iyer during his time with Delhi Capitals (DC), praised Iyer’s leadership abilities and strong cricketing acumen. “Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver,” Ponting said. “I’ve enjoyed my time with Iyer in the past, and I look forward to working with him again.”
Ponting’s belief in Iyer’s leadership qualities was one of the driving factors behind PBKS’s aggressive bid for the Mumbai batter at the IPL auction.
Iyer’s IPL Success So Far
Iyer’s IPL journey began in 2015 with DC, where he made a mark as a dependable middle-order batter. He was appointed DC’s captain midway through IPL 2018 and led the team to the playoffs in each of the next three seasons, including a runners-up finish in 2020. Iyer is also coming off a successful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, where he scored 345 runs at a strike rate of 188.52, including a century, establishing himself as one of the premier T20 players in the country.
The Future Looks Bright for PBKS
With Iyer leading the way, PBKS is set to be a formidable force in IPL 2025. The team’s IPL auction strategy was bolstered by the significant financial backing available, and their investment in Iyer reflects their confidence in his ability to bring out the best in the squad. Ponting and Iyer’s reunion promises a successful partnership, with the duo aiming to guide PBKS to its maiden IPL title.
Iyer’s IPL Milestones
- Iyer is the captain who led KKR to the IPL 2024 title.
- He has been instrumental in DC’s successful seasons, including a 2020 IPL runners-up finish.
- Iyer’s IPL leadership credentials and performance in domestic cricket make him a key asset for PBKS.
Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 Ambitions
With Iyer’s appointment, Punjab Kings will be hoping to break their title drought, aiming to claim their first-ever IPL championship under his leadership. Iyer’s leadership, combined with a strong squad and the expertise of Ponting, positions PBKS as one of the most exciting teams to watch in the upcoming season.
PBKS to Build Around Iyer’s Leadership
As PBKS gears up for IPL 2025, Iyer’s leadership will be central to their strategy. The team’s high-profile purchases in the auction and the dynamic presence of experienced campaigners make them a force to reckon with.
