PBKS make HUGE announcement, name Shreyas Iyer as captain ahead of IPL 2025

India batter Shreyas Iyer is set to lead the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is likely to commence from March 23. In the IPL auction that was held in November, the Punjab-based franchise had gone all out to sign Shreyas and ended up giving a whopping fee of INR 26.75 crore to the batter.

In the search for their maiden IPL trophy, Punjab decided to appoint a captain who has lifted the title before. The surprise announcement was made by actor Salman Khan during the reality television show, ‘Bigg Boss’, where Iyer was present as a guest alongside Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh.

“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,” Shreyas said.

Shreyas not only led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title last year but also had an incredible year in domestic cricket. He was a part of the Mumbai side that lifted the Irani Cup and Ranji Trophy and also was the skipper of the side that clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“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,” PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting said.

Shreyas had an impressive IPL season with the bat last year, scoring 351 runs in 15 matches at an average of 39.00 and a strike rate of over 146. He may have only hit 2 fifties, but played several other important knocks.