Shreyas Iyer named Punjab Kings captain for IPL 2025

Shreyas Iyer has officially taken over as captain of Punjab Kings for the IPL 2025 season. The big news comes just after he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title in 2024. Surprisingly, KKR released him after that successful season. However, Punjab Kings did not waste any time and bagged the Mumbai batsman for a staggering sum of INR 26.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction.

A stellar year for Iyer

The 30-year-old has had a remarkable year across all formats of domestic cricket and the IPL. Apart from leading KKR to IPL glory, Iyer captained the Mumbai team to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. He was also a key member of the Mumbai team that won the Ranji Trophy and the Iran Trophy.

Iyer expressed his excitement about taking up the new role at Punjab Kings. “I feel honored that the team has placed their trust in me. I’m looking forward to working with Coach Ponting again. The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven players. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to get our first title,” Iyer said.

Meeting Ricky Ponting

Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as captain of the Punjab Kings brings him back under the guidance of Ricky Ponting, who is currently the head coach of the team. If this sounds familiar, it’s because the two have a history: they previously teamed up at Delhi Capitals and led the franchise to its first IPL final in 2020.

Ponting did not suppress his enthusiasm either. He praised Iyer’s leadership skills and made it clear that he looks forward to working with him again.

“Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will allow the team to deliver. I enjoyed my time with Iyer in the past in IPL and I hope to work with him again. With his leadership and the talent of the team, I am excited for the coming seasons,” Ponting said.

Punjab Kings aim for first 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 could change their fortunes.

“We had identified Shreyas as our captain and were delighted with the outcome of the auction. He has already proven that he has mastered the format and his vision for the team aligns perfectly with our goals. With him and Ponting coming together again, we are confident that our team has a strong leadership group that will guide us to our first title,” Menon said.

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