IPL 2025: PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer gets new Nickname from Coach Ricky Ponting after Unbeaten Start

Add as a preferred source on Google

Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting gave captain Shreyas Iyer with a new nickname after the India star guided his team to a dominant eight-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2025 clash.

Iyer anchored the chase with an unbeaten 52, his second successive half-century of the season, as Punjab overhauled the 172-run target in just 16.2 overs.

This followed his 97* in the opening game, taking his tally to 149 runs without being dismissed - making him the second-highest scorer in the tournament so far.

Ricky Ponting says Shreyas Iyer 'A Rolls Royce'

"Skipper did it easy again. Rolls-Royce just stayed in third gear for most of the day. Didn't need to accelerate. He just steered us home," Ponting remarked in a post-match address to the team.

Ponting also used the moment to remind his players to stay grounded, stressing that consistency and focus will be key over the long haul of the season.

"Let's not take anything for granted. Our attitudes have been spot on so far, but this is just the beginning. We're only scratching the surface. Let's keep growing as a unit - as one family," the former Australian skipper said.

The bowlers, too, drew praise from Ponting for their disciplined performance up front. PBKS choked the LSG batters early, conceding just seven runs in the first two overs - with Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson setting the tone.

"We had them at 3 for 35 in the powerplay. Lockie, making his debut, came in and delivered right away. Maxi (Maxwell) and Marco (Jansen) backed it up brilliantly, with Marco picking up the crucial wicket of David Miller," Ponting further said.

He also lauded Prabhsimran for showing maturity and growth, and highlighted Wadhera's impact - especially considering the young batter wasn't expecting to play.

"Wadhera only packed one shirt, thinking he wouldn't feature. Then I saw they brought on a left-arm offie as their impact sub, and I said to him, 'You're going in.' And he grabbed the opportunity," Ponting revealed.

With two wins from two and momentum on their side, PBKS seem to be gelling well under Ponting's watch, blending experience with youthful spark early in the season. The Punjab outfit has never won the IPL and will be dreaming to lift their maiden title this season.