In an exciting announcement, Indian batting star Shreyas Iyer has been named the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The reveal came on the reality TV show Big Boss, where Iyer appeared alongside his PBKS teammates Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh.
A Proven Leader
Shreyas Iyer, 30, brings a wealth of leadership experience to the PBKS camp. He is among the elite group of eight IPL-winning captains, having led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in the 2024 IPL season. Iyer’s captaincy journey began with the Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2018, where he consistently guided the team to playoff finishes, including a runner-up spot in 2020.
Iyer’s leadership credentials extend beyond the IPL. Earlier this season, he captained Mumbai to triumph in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, finishing as one of the tournament’s top scorers with 345 runs, including a century.
The Most Expensive Battle at the Auction
At the IPL 2025 mega auction, Iyer became the second-most expensive player in the league’s history when PBKS secured his services for a staggering INR 26.75 crore (approximately USD 3.18 million). While Iyer briefly held the record as the costliest IPL player, Lucknow Super Giants later claimed Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore (USD 3.21 million), surpassing Iyer’s bid.
Reuniting with Ricky Ponting
A key factor behind Punjab Kings’ aggressive bidding for Iyer was the prospect of reuniting him with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who recently signed on as PBKS head coach for a four-year tenure. Ponting and Iyer previously enjoyed a successful coach-captain partnership at Delhi Capitals, a connection that both are excited to reignite.
Ponting expressed his admiration for Iyer’s leadership, stating, “Shreyas is a fantastic player and an even better leader. He led KKR to the championship last year, and I’m thrilled to work with him again to bring success to Punjab Kings.”
A New Chapter for PBKS
The appointment of Shreyas Iyer as captain signifies a fresh chapter for Punjab Kings, a team eager to end its championship drought. With Iyer’s tactical acumen and Ponting’s mentorship, PBKS fans have much to look forward to in the upcoming season.
As IPL 2025 draws closer, the stage is set for Shreyas Iyer to lead PBKS in their pursuit of glory, leveraging his experience and proven track record to guide the team to new heights.
