April 2, 2025: Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla has praised the leadership of Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Chawla, speaking on Jio Hotstar, highlighted Iyer’s strategic thinking and the well-balanced nature of the squad, which has made a significant impact on the team’s performance this season.
Chawla emphasized that a captain’s success is often closely tied to the strength of the squad around him, and he believes that Iyer has done a great job leading the team this year. He credited the team’s solid auction acquisitions, particularly strengthening their middle order, and highlighted the impact of Nehal Wadhera, who came in as an impact player and played a crucial role in their success.
“Iyer’s thought process is always different because he knows how to find ways to win. A captain’s success also depends on the setup around him, as a leader can only be as good as the players supporting him. Punjab Kings covered all their bases in the auction, assembling a well-balanced squad,” Chawla said. “Their middle order is strong—Nehal Wadhera, coming in as an impact player, played a crucial knock.”
Chawla also pointed out the depth in Punjab Kings’ squad, which gives the team flexibility and reliable backup options, making them more adaptable to different situations during the season. “When you have depth on the bench, it gives you flexibility and strong backup options. That’s why Punjab Kings are looking like a completely different team this year,” he added.
Punjab Kings’ strong start to the IPL 2025 season, which includes winning both of their opening matches, has been marked by standout performances from captain Iyer. Iyer, who has scored back-to-back fifties, has led from the front, steering the team toward success. In their recent match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Prabhsimran Singh, along with Iyer’s half-century, helped Punjab Kings defeat LSG by eight wickets at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
This victory lifted Punjab Kings to the second spot on the points table, while LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, slipped to sixth place after the loss. The strong start has given Punjab Kings fans hope for a successful season ahead, with Shreyas Iyer’s leadership proving instrumental in their early success.