Ricky Ponting Welcomes Shreyas Iyer as Punjab Kings Captain for IPL 2025

Newly appointed head coach Ponting hails Iyer's leadership, praises team's fresh approach in assembling a balanced squad for the season.

New Delhi, January 13: Newly appointed Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed his excitement and pride in naming Shreyas Iyer as the new captain of the team for the IPL 2025 season. Iyer's proven leadership and successful track record have made him the top choice to lead the franchise.

In a video shared on PBKS's official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Ponting said:
"Hi all Punjab Kings fans, it's Ricky Ponting here. It gives me great pleasure today to formally announce Shreyas Iyer as our captain going forward. He's a great player, a great leader, and has incredible experience. He was last year's IPL-winning captain, and we've worked together for a long time. Bring on this year, I can't wait."

Iyer, who was acquired for a record ₹26.75 crore during the IPL 2025 auction, is expected to reunite effectively with Ponting. Together, they aim to lead PBKS to their maiden IPL title.

A Successful Auction Strategy

The IPL 2025 auction, held in Jeddah on November 24-25, saw Punjab Kings execute a meticulous plan to assemble a balanced squad. Under Ponting's guidance, the franchise focused on blending experienced Indian players with top-tier international talent and promising young domestic stars.

The squad features established Indian players such as Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Harpreet Brar, along with world-class international cricketers like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, and Lockie Ferguson.

Additionally, PBKS made long-term investments by recruiting domestic talent, including Suryansh Shedge, Harnoor Pannu, Priyansh Arya, and Pyla Avinash, identified through an extensive scouting network.

Ponting's Confidence in the Team

Ponting credited the franchise's management and scouting team for their efforts in assembling a competitive squad.
"This team reflects a fresh approach. It’s a blend of experience and potential that excites me as we build towards a strong season," he added.

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, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge.
Spinners: Yuzvendra Chahal, Pravin Dubey.
Fast bowlers: Arshdeep Singh (RTM), Lockie Ferguson, Yash Thakur, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Kuldeep Sen, Xavier Bartlett.

With renewed leadership and a promising squad, PBKS aims to create history in the upcoming IPL season.