Shreyas Iyer Appointed as Punjab Kings Captain for IPL 2025

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Punjab Kings have appointed Shreyas Iyer as their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The announcement was made on January 12, 2025, during a special episode of the reality TV show Big Boss 18, where Bollywood superstar Salman Khan introduced Iyer as the new leader of the franchise.

Iyer's appointment follows his acquisition by Punjab Kings for a staggering ₹26.75 crore (approximately $3.17 million) during the IPL 2025 mega auction. This made him one of the most expensive players in IPL history, reflecting the franchise's confidence in his leadership abilities.

Reunion with Coach Ricky Ponting

The 30-year-old batsman will reunite with head coach Ricky Ponting, with whom he previously collaborated at Delhi Capitals. Expressing his enthusiasm, Iyer stated, "I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with coach Ponting."

Ponting also shared his optimism: "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."

Iyer's leadership credentials are well-established. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title in 2024, becoming one of only eight captains to have won the IPL.

Additionally, he led Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this season, finishing as the tournament's fourth-highest run-scorer with 345 runs at a strike rate of 188.52. Punjab Kings' CEO, Satish Menon, expressed confidence in Iyer's appointment.

He said, "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."

The franchise, which finished ninth in the 2024 season and has qualified for the playoffs only once in its history, is aiming for a turnaround under Iyer's leadership. With the combination of Iyer's captaincy and Ponting's coaching, Punjab Kings are optimistic about securing their maiden IPL title in the upcoming season.