Shreyas Iyer has officially been announced as the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This strategic move reunites Iyer with the renowned Ricky Ponting, who serves as PBKS' head coach. The duo shares a successful history, having led Delhi Capitals (DC) to their maiden IPL final in 2020.
A Record-Breaking Auction Deal
Iyer made headlines in the IPL 2025 mega auction by becoming the second most expensive player in IPL history, with Punjab Kings securing his services for an extraordinary ₹26.75 crore. His leadership experience, cricketing intelligence, and match-winning performances made him the top choice for PBKS as they look to secure their first-ever IPL title.
A Historic Milestone for Iyer
This appointment adds a new chapter to Iyer’s illustrious IPL career. After leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL championship in 2024, he was surprisingly released by the franchise ahead of the 2025 auction, becoming the first IPL-winning captain to be let go in the season following a title win.
Iyer also sets a unique record by becoming the first Indian player to captain three different IPL teams—Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now Punjab Kings.
Captain’s Vision
Expressing his excitement, Iyer said:
"It’s an honor to lead Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. Reuniting with Coach Ponting is a privilege, and I’m excited about the strong squad we’ve assembled. My focus is to bring the IPL trophy home for the PBKS fans and management."
Coach’s Praise
Ricky Ponting, known for his exceptional leadership, spoke highly of Iyer:
"Shreyas has an incredible cricketing brain and a natural ability to lead. His tactical insights and calm demeanor will be pivotal for PBKS this season. Having worked with him before, I’m confident he’s the right man to guide this team to success."
Looking Ahead
Under Iyer’s leadership, Punjab Kings aim to end their IPL trophy drought. With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, PBKS is poised for a stellar campaign. Fans and critics alike eagerly await their performance in IPL 2025, which could mark the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
