Shreyas Iyer has been officially named the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Iyer and PBKS coach Ricky Ponting will reunite as a leadership duo for an IPL franchise, just as they did with Delhi Capitals (DC), leading the team to its first-ever IPL final in 2020. Iyer became the second most expensive player in the IPL history as Punjab secured his services for a massive Rs 26.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Notably, Shreyas Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL trophy in the 2024 season but was released by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. He is the first IPL-winning captain in history to be released by the franchise in the season after they won the title.
Iyer is also poised to create history when he leads PBKS in their opening match of the 2025 IPL, becoming the first Indian player to captain three different IPL teams. The 2024 IPL-winning skipper has previously helmed DC and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
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Iyer expressed his gratitude for the team's trust, looking forward to reuniting with Coach Ponting and leading a strong squad.
"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."
Ricky Ponting praised Iyer's tactical acumen and leadership skills, expressing excitement about reuniting with him in the IPL.
"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," Ponting said as quoted by Cricbuzz.