Shreyas Iyer has been officially announced as captain of Punjab Kings for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League.
Shreyas, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the 2024 edition, was released by the franchise later in the year and was roped in by Kings for a price of INR 26.75 Crore, the second biggest buy in the auction.
The 30-year-old has had an immensely successful 12 months in domestic cricket and the IPL, having won four titles across formats. Apart from leading Kolkata Knight Riders to glory last season, Iyer also captained the Mumbai team that emerged victorious in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was also part of the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy winning Mumbai side.
Iyer expressed his joy at the latest development and will be hoping to turn the fortunes for a franchise that is yet to win an IPL title. Kings’ best season came back in 2014 when they made it to the final before being downed by Kolkata Knight Riders. PBKS had a moderately successful mega auction and Iyer believes that the side assembled is good enough to go all the way.
“I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with Coach Ponting. The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title.”
Iyer being captain means a return to the captain-coach combo of him and Ricky Ponting that took Delhi Capitals to their first-ever IPL final in 2020. The Australian lavished praise on Iyer’s credentials and appeared buoyed to work together for a fresh stint.
“Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver. I have enjoyed my time with Iyer in the past in IPL, and I look forward to working with him again. With his leadership and the talent in the squad, I am excited about the seasons ahead.”
Right from the moment he was acquired at a stellar price, Iyer was tipped to be the frontrunner for Punjab’s captaincy. CEO Satish Menon revealed that it was a big play behind the francise’s aggressive bid for the Mumbai batter. Like Iyer and Ponting, Menon also hopes that this captain-coach combination will help Punjab to have a redemption from the 2025 season onwards.
“We had identified Shreyas as our captain and were delighted with the auction result. He has already proven himself to master the format, and his vision for the team aligns perfectly with our goals. With him and Ponting joining hands again, we are confident our team has a solid leadership group to guide us to our first title.”
