The Punjab Kings have appointed Shreyas Iyer as their new captain for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), set to start in March 2025. The franchise confirmed the announcement on Sunday, with Iyer set to reunite with head coach Ricky Ponting in a bid to secure Punjab’s maiden IPL title.
The right-handed batter, who was roped in by Punjab Kings during the December 2024 auction, expressed his gratitude to the franchise’s management and shared his excitement about leading the team.
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“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 in a statement released by the Punjab Kings.
Shreyas Iyer’s appointment marks a reunion with head coach Ricky Ponting, under whom he previously played during his stint with the Delhi Capitals. Ponting praised Iyer’s leadership qualities and cricketing acumen, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the team to success.
“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, a two-time World Cup-winning captain.
Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon highlighted that Iyer’s vision aligns perfectly with the franchise’s goals. He expressed confidence that the partnership between Iyer and Ponting will bring the much-awaited success for the team.
“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,” Menon said.
Shreyas Iyer had an outstanding 2024 season, making him a sought-after leader in the IPL. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders to a victorious IPL campaign, demonstrating his leadership skills in the shortest format of the game.
In domestic cricket, Iyer led Mumbai to victory in both the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Trophy. Under his leadership, Mumbai also secured their second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, further solidifying his credentials as a successful captain.
With Iyer’s appointment, Punjab Kings are aiming to break their title drought in the IPL. The franchise has come close to winning the trophy in the past but has yet to clinch the coveted title.
Punjab Kings Squad for IPL 2025:
Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh (retained), Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Singh Pannu, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash.
Wicketkeepers: Josh Inglis, Vishnu Vinod, Prabhsimran Singh (retained).
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell (spin), Marcus Stoinis (pace), Marco Jansen (pace), Harpreet Brar (spin), Azmatullah Omarzai (pace), Aaron Hardie (pace), Musheer Khan (spin), Suryansh Shedge (pace).
Spinners: Yuzvendra Chahal, Pravin Dubey.
Fast bowlers: Arshdeep Singh (RTM), Lockie Ferguson, Yash Thakur, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Kuldeep Sen, Xavier Bartlett.
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