Punjab Kings have ushered in a new era by appointing Shreyas Iyer as their captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
This decision reflects the franchise's aspirations for their maiden IPL title, considering Iyer's proven leadership credentials and impressive track record in domestic and international cricket. At 30, Iyer has already established himself as one of the finest tacticians in the league, having guided Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024.

The appointment comes after Punjab Kings secured Iyer for a staggering ₹26.75 crore, making him the second most expensive player of the 2025 auction. This bold move not only highlights their confidence in Iyer’s ability to lead from the front but also underscores their determination to rewrite their IPL history. Punjab Kings have had an inconsistent run in the tournament, with their best performance being a runner-up finish in 2014.
Shreyas Iyer’s leadership offers stability and strategic acumen, qualities that Punjab Kings desperately need. His past stints as captain – most notably with Delhi Capitals and KKR – have proven his capability to bring out the best in his team. Additionally, his camaraderie with Ricky Ponting, the team’s head coach, adds another dimension of tactical brilliance to Punjab Kings’ setup.
Beyond his leadership, Iyer’s form with the bat will be pivotal. Having scored over 3,100 IPL runs at an average of 32.23, he is a reliable anchor who can accelerate when needed. As Punjab Kings set their sights on the elusive IPL trophy, Iyer's combination of experience, consistency, and flair could be the game-changer they’ve been seeking.
Shreyas Iyer's IPL captaincy journey began in 2018 with Delhi Capitals, where he took over mid-season and revitalised the team. His tenure at Delhi culminated in a runner-up finish in IPL 2020, where they lost to a dominant Mumbai Indians side.
Later, he captained Kolkata Knight Riders from 2022 to 2024, leading them to an IPL title in 2024. His overall IPL captaincy record is impressive, with a win percentage of 56.35% across 71 matches.
| Team | Period | Matches | Won | Lost | Tied/NR | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | 2018-2020 | 41 | 23 | 18 | 0 | 56.09 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2022-2024 | 30 | 17 | 11 | 2 | 56.70 |
Under his leadership, Iyer has showcased a knack for building cohesive units. His success at KKR, capped by the 2024 IPL title, cemented his reputation as a captain capable of handling high-pressure situations.
Shreyas Iyer has also been a standout leader in Indian domestic cricket. As the captain of Mumbai, he has consistently delivered, guiding his side to success in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Mumbai’s triumph in SMAT 2024 was a testament to Iyer's astute captaincy.
In the final, Mumbai defeated Madhya Pradesh by five wickets, chasing down 174 in just 17.5 overs. Iyer’s leadership earned him a place in an elite group of captains, including MS Dhoni, who have won two T20 titles in the same year. Notably, Iyer also led KKR to their IPL title earlier in 2024, showcasing his ability to inspire teams in different settings.
Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 campaign was characterised by aggressive gameplay and tactical brilliance under Iyer. He contributed significantly with the bat, amassing 345 runs in nine matches at an average of 49.28, including a century and a fifty. His unbeaten 130 against Gujarat was a standout performance, reflecting his ability to perform under pressure.
By winning this title, Iyer joined a rare list of captains who have won multiple T20 tournaments in the same year. His strategic mindset, ability to motivate players, and personal contributions with the bat were instrumental in Mumbai’s success.
In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Iyer continued to shine as a leader, although Mumbai fell short of qualifying for the knockouts. Despite finishing third in Group C with five wins in seven matches, Iyer’s leadership and individual brilliance stood out.
Mumbai’s most dominant performance came against Puducherry, where Iyer struck a match-winning century (137 not out off 133 balls) to secure a 163-run victory. Overall, he has scored 312 runs in four matches, including two centuries, at a strike rate of 138.66.
While Mumbai couldn’t progress beyond the group stage, Iyer’s performances once again demonstrated his ability to lead from the front. His tactical decisions, especially in high-stakes matches, kept Mumbai competitive throughout the tournament.
Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as Punjab Kings captain signals the franchise’s intent to build a winning culture. With his impressive IPL and domestic captaincy record, Iyer is well-equipped to guide Punjab Kings to their maiden IPL title.
The synergy between Iyer and Ricky Ponting could redefine Punjab’s IPL fortunes. As the franchise prepares for the 2025 season, much will depend on Iyer’s ability to marshal his resources effectively and deliver under pressure. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how this new chapter unfolds.