Shreyas Iyer announced as Punjab Kings' captain for IPL 2025

The Punjab Kings have named Shreyas Iyer as their captain for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League. The announcement was made by Bollywood star Salman Khan on the sets of reality show Big Boss when Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh came as guests. 

Punjab had earlier broken the bank for Shreyas Iyer in the IPL 2025 mega auction and finally bagged him for a massive price of 26.75 crores after an intense bidding war with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals. Iyer will now join the think tank along with Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the Punjab Kings, for the upcoming season.

"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," said Iyer on becoming the captain.

Head Coach Ricky said, "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."

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon 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. With him and Ponting joining hands again, we are confident our team has a solid leadership group to guide us to our first title."

Shreyas Iyer's explosive 2024 season

Iyer was released by KKR ahead of the mega auction after he had led them to their third title in the season earlier. The 30-year-old had a decent season with his former team in 2024, having scored 351 runs from 14 innings at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 146.86 with two half centuries.

He will now look forward to guiding the 2014 finalists to their maiden title win. Apart from winning the IPL, Iyer also guided Mumbai to a win in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2024. He was also a part of the teams that won the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Cup.