Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has been named as the new captain of the Punjab Kings in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With this, Iyer becomes the 17th player to take up the position of captain of the franchise. Iyer was released by Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2024 season in which he had captained the side to victory, and Punjab Kings acquired him in the auction at a whopping price of INR 26.75 Crore, making him the second costliest buy of the year.
A Proven Winner With A Stellar Track Record
The 30-year-old Iyer enters this new leadership role on the back of an immensely successful 12 months, both in domestic cricket and the IPL. His leadership credentials are well-established, having captained Mumbai to victory in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Additionally, he played a key role in Mumbai’s victories in both the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy. Iyer’s track record in the IPL is more than good with 2,375 runs at an average of 31.67 and a strike rate of 123.96. He has scored 16 half-centuries and has the highest score of 96. As a batsman and a leader, his consistency will be a great asset for Punjab Kings.
IPL Form And Leadership Skills Of Iyer
In 15 games of IPL 2024, he managed to score 351 runs with an average of 39.00 and a strike rate that is well over 146. He can both stabilize the innings and play explosive knocks, which is why he is so valuable to Punjab Kings as a player and as a captain.
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New Beginning With Ricky Ponting As Head Coach
Along with the captain, Punjab Kings also changed their coaching staff with the Australian cricketing legend being appointed as head coach. Ricky Ponting was a mentor who Iyer and he shared with Delhi Capitals under whom Iyer first started taking the team and himself through their first year in 2018. Such partnership may play out to be one of the strongest factors to lift Punjab Kings during the season.
New Additions To PBKS Squad
Punjab Kings have also strengthened their squad significantly for the 2025 season. They roped in high-profile players like Yuzvendra Chahal (INR 18 crore), Marcus Stoinis (INR 11 crore), and Glenn Maxwell (INR 4.2 crore). In addition, pacer Arshdeep Singh was retained using the RTM card for INR 18 crore. These additions will provide the team with a balanced and formidable lineup, which will complement Iyer’s leadership.
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Can Shreyas Iyer Break The Title Drought for Punjab Kings?
With the refreshed setup and seasoned leadership, Punjab Kings are expecting to break their long-standing jinx of an IPL title with the 2025 season. Shreyas Iyer and his proven leadership and performance could unlock the recipe for the team’s success. The strong batting order, the revamped coaching setup, and a solid bowling attack may finally bring the IPL trophy to Punjab Kings, but only time will tell if Iyer can deliver the long-awaited title.
