Under Shreyas Iyer‘s leadership, Punjab Kings excelled in the 2025 IPL season. The right-handed batsman, who had already displayed moments of leadership, talked candidly about his transfer from the Kolkata Knight Riders to the Punjab Kings and the encouragement he got in his new environment. Even though they lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, Shreyas Iyer leadership and play were highly praised.
Shreyas Iyer became one of the league’s few captains to win the trophy after leading KKR to their third IPL championship. However, he entered the auction after disagreements over his retention terms, and Punjab paid INR 26.75 crore to acquire him. Iyer led PBKS to their second-ever IPL final and amassed 604 runs at an average of 50.3 and a strike rate of 175 in his first season with the side. Punjab lost against RCB by just six runs, barely missing out on the championship.
As a player and captain, I have a lot to contribute. I can achieve anything if I am respected. At Punjab, this is what took place. Whether it was the players, coaches, or management, they provided me with all the assistance I required. I had just assisted India in winning the Champions Trophy, so I was feeling quite good. All of Punjab Kings’ stakeholders were therefore excited to speak with me and have me make a significant contribution.
I was able to make decisions on and off the pitch because of this. I participated strategically in every meeting with the coaches and management. I adore this. Although I wasn’t fully involved in the talk, I was a part of it. To get to where I am now, I had to work my way up,” Shreyas Iyer told GQ India.
Shreyas Iyer flourished under coach Ricky Ponting’s guidance.
Shreyas Iyer flourished with coach Ricky Ponting, rejoining him after five years apart, in spite of the high cost and the expectations. Together, they gave hope to a squad that had failed to make it to the finals for more than ten years. In addition, he made history by being the first captain in the tournament’s history to lead three different teams to an IPL final. In 2020, he guided the Delhi Capitals to the IPL final. In 2024, he won the championship with the Kolkata Knight Riders, and most recently, the Punjab-based team finished as runners-up.
India
