Published: Mar 18, 2025, 11:52 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 18, 2025, 11:52 PM (IST)
Having performed the role of a “silent hero” at number four in India’s title-winning Champions Trophy campaign, Shreyas Iyer wants to make a big impact at number three position in the upcoming IPL season.
Last season, Iyer captained the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title. However, despite this monumental achievement, the franchise decided not to retain him ahead of the auction. In the end, it was the Punjab Kings (PBKS) that snapped Iyer up at the auction for a humongous fee of INR 26.75 crore.
With PBKS an underperforming franchise since IPL’s inception in 2008, Iyer feels no pressure of leading the team and just wants to win another trophy.
“We already know that IPL is an integral part of Indian cricket. And If I would want to mark myself at some position in T20, it would be number 3. And that’s what I’m focusing at. I wouldn’t say that we are planning and thinking about what number I will be batting,” Iyer said during a media interaction.
“This time I’m quite clear about that position. And I’m going to be focusing on that number. As long as coach approves of me,” Iyer added.
Fresh from a successful Champions Trophy, Iyer is excited about his reunion with Ricky Ponting, who is the head coach of the Punjab-based franchise. The duo previously worked together at Delhi Capitals.
“I’ve worked with him for almost three years in a franchise. And I know how he thinks about every individual on and off the field. He supports everyone. You see in some places there is a senior-junior culture,” Iyer said.
“But when I worked with him for the first time, he made me feel like I’m a great player. And I can easily excel in this format. So, the confidence he gives is of a different level. And it feels good to work with him. If, for example the result has gone here and there, his mind doesn’t fluctuate. He thinks in the same way. And he just likes to win,” Iyer added.
