In a significant development for the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the upcoming 2025 season. This announcement, made on January 12, 2025, comes after Iyer was acquired by the franchise for a staggering ₹26.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, making him one of the most expensive players in IPL history.
A New Chapter for Iyer
Iyer’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in his career as he steps into a leadership role with a franchise that has historically struggled to find consistent success. The Punjab Kings have reached the playoffs only twice in their 16-year history, with their last appearance in 2014 when they finished as runners-up. With Iyer at the helm, there is hope that his leadership skills and experience can steer the team toward its first IPL title.Expressing his excitement about the new role, Iyer stated, “I am honored that the team has reposed its faith in me. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title.” His previous success as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he led them to victory in IPL 2024, adds to his credentials as a capable leader.
Record-Breaking Auction
The bidding war for Iyer during the IPL auction was intense, with Punjab Kings fending off competition from other franchises including KKR and Delhi Capitals (DC). Initially, Iyer became the most expensive player in IPL auction history before being surpassed by Rishabh Pant’s bid. Nonetheless, his acquisition is seen as a strategic move by PBKS to bolster their squad and improve their chances of success.Iyer’s previous leadership experience includes guiding Delhi Capitals to the IPL final in 2020, showcasing his ability to manage high-pressure situations effectively. His track record has positioned him as an ideal choice for PBKS, especially given their need for strong leadership.
Reuniting with Ricky Ponting
One of the exciting aspects of Iyer’s appointment is his reunion with head coach Ricky Ponting. The two previously worked together at Delhi Capitals, where they developed a strong rapport. Iyer expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Ponting again: “Hoping to have a fantastic season with Ricky being the coach. I’ve worked with him in the past, and yeah, looking forward to the ball getting rolling.”Ponting’s experience and tactical acumen will be invaluable as Iyer leads PBKS into what they hope will be a successful season.
Team Composition and Expectations
Under Iyer’s captaincy, PBKS aims to create a balanced team that combines youth and experience. The franchise has made several key acquisitions during the auction, including renowned players like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, which enhances their batting depth and all-round capabilities.The Punjab Kings’ squad for IPL 2025 includes:
- Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera
- Wicketkeepers: Josh Inglis, Vishnu Vinod
- All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis
- Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh
With these additions, expectations are high for PBKS to perform well this season. Fans are hopeful that Iyer’s leadership will inspire confidence among players and lead to improved results on the field.
The cricket community has largely welcomed Iyer’s appointment with optimism. Preity Zinta, co-owner of PBKS, expressed her confidence in Iyer’s leadership abilities and emphasized that he brings a wealth of experience that could be crucial for the team’s success.In a video shared by Punjab Kings on social media, Iyer thanked fans and team management for their support and trust. He acknowledged the challenges faced by PBKS in recent years but expressed determination to work hard and strive for excellence this season.
Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as captain of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025 represents a fresh start for both him and the franchise. With his proven track record as a leader and an impressive roster of players at his disposal, there is renewed hope among fans that this could be the year PBKS finally clinches its maiden IPL title.As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Iyer as he leads his team onto the field with aspirations of turning around PBKS’s fortunes in one of cricket’s most competitive leagues. The combination of strong leadership and strategic acquisitions positions Punjab Kings as a team to watch in IPL 2025.