IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer Appointed As Punjab Kings Captain
Indian batter Shreyas Iyer was named the captain by Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2025. In the process, they became the first franchise to name their captain ahead of a new season.
Several other franchises, such as KKR, LSG, and Delhi Capitals, will have to appoint a new captain ahead of IPL 2025. The Kings roped in Shreyas Iyer for Rs 26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player during the November auction. Rishabh Pant was the most expensive player in IPL 2025 with LSG spending 27 crores to bag him in the auction. He is officially the most expensive player in the IPL ever as well.
Interestingly, Iyer is the only captain in the IPL to have taken two different franchises to the final. He took Delhi Capitals to the final in IPL 2020 and won the IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, their third IPL title.
The 30-year-old had a brilliant 12 months in domestic cricket, winning four titles across formats. Apart from leading Kolkata Knight Riders to glory last season, Iyer also captained the Mumbai team that emerged victorious in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was also part of the Mumbai side that won the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy.
Honoured That The Team Reposed Faith In Me: Shreyas Iyer
The Indian batter reacted after his appointment as captain by the Kings. He sounded hopeful of winning the first title with the Punjab franchise. The Kings' best season came way back in 2014 when George Bailey took the side to the final but lost out to KKR.
"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" Iyer said.
PBKS' newly appointed coach Ricky Ponting welcomed Iyer as the new captain of the franchise. The former Australian captain lavished praise on Iyer's credentials and appeared buoyed to work together for a fresh stint.
"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" said Ponting as he praised Iyer's ledership skills.
Talking about IPL 2025, the season will begin from March 21 in Kolkata and the final is likely to take place on May 25 at the same venue as per reports in Cricbuzz.
