Shreyas Iyer, the new captain of Punjab Kings, plans to bat at No. 3 during IPL 2025. Iyer was India’s key performer at No. 4 during their unbeaten run to the Champions Trophy title in Dubai. In IPL 2024, he led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title while batting primarily at No. 4, occasionally dropping to No. 5 or No. 6 to suit team needs.
Speaking at a press conference, Iyer said, “IPL is an integral part of Indian cricket. If I had to choose a position in T20, it would be No. 3. I’m clear about that position now and will focus on it, as long as the coach agrees.”
Iyer will reunite with coach Ricky Ponting at PBKS. The duo had a successful partnership at Delhi Capitals, guiding the team to the playoffs from 2019 to 2021, including the final in 2020. PBKS secured Iyer for INR 26.75 crore (USD 3.18 million approx), making him the second-most expensive player at an IPL auction.
Ponting expressed his excitement about working with Iyer again, stating, “It was clear at the auction who I wanted as my captain. I was eager to work with Shreyas again. He’s one of the best players I’ve worked with and an IPL-winning captain.”
PBKS had a poor home record in IPL 2024, winning just one of their seven home games across Mullanpur and Dharamsala. Ponting aims to change that this season. “If you’re not winning at home, you’re not winning the IPL,” Ponting said. “We’ll play a dynamic and entertaining brand of cricket. There’s no pressure on us, and we’ve got nothing to lose.”
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