The Indian Premier League’s previous season saw Shreyas Iyer donning the captain’s hat for the Kolkata Knight Riders, leading them to a thrilling championship win in IPL 2024. However, things took a turn, and Iyer opted to be part of the IPL 2025 mega auction, where he was snapped up by the Punjab Kings for a whopping 26.75 crore rupees, and was handed the team’s reins. Now, Iyer has revealed that he’s set to take on a completely different role with his new team.
In a media interaction alongside Punjab Kings’ head coach Ricky Ponting, Iyer shared, “We all know that the IPL is an integral part of Indian cricket. If I were to establish myself in one spot in T20s, it would be at number three – that’s my focus. I’m clear about my batting position this time around, and as long as I have the coach’s support, I’ll be concentrating on that spot.” Iyer’s commitment to his new role is evident, and it’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts to the challenges that come with it.
Iyer also weighed in on the team’s objectives for the season, stating, “The goal is to win the trophy – that’s our mindset, and it’s a step-by-step process. We’re not going to wake up one morning and make it happen, but the way we’re practicing and sharing our wavelength and camaraderie, it’s really falling into place.” With his eyes firmly fixed on the prize, Iyer is determined to make a lasting impact with the Punjab Kings.
Currently not a part of India’s T20 team, Iyer is looking to use his IPL stint with the Punjab Kings as a springboard to regain his spot in the national squad. Having led the Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win under his captaincy in the previous season, albeit while batting in the middle order, Iyer is now eager to showcase his skills in a new avatar.
Praising Iyer profusely, coach Ricky Ponting expressed his enthusiasm about working with the Indian cricketer once again. The former Australian captain said, “I was excited to work with Shreyas again – we had a great working relationship during our time in Delhi. He’s one of the best players I’ve worked with; a great human being and an IPL-winning captain – what more could you want? He’s only just joined the team, and as a captain, he’s looking to make his mark.” With Ponting’s guidance and Iyer’s determination, the Punjab Kings are certainly a team to watch out for in the upcoming season.
As Iyer and the Punjab Kings gear up for the challenges ahead, one thing is clear – this new chapter in Iyer’s IPL journey promises to be an exciting one, filled with fresh opportunities and a chance to rediscover himself in a new role. With his bat and leadership skills at the forefront, Iyer is poised to make a significant impact, not just for his team but also in his quest to regain his spot in the Indian national team.