Punjab Kings (PBKS) have a new captain in Shreyas Iyer, and the dynamic batter has made his intentions clear—he wants to bat at No. 3 during IPL 2025. Having played a crucial role for India at No. 4 during their triumphant Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai, Iyer is now focused on cementing his place at the top of the order in T20 cricket.
Iyer’s Vision for IPL 2025
Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title in 2024, played mostly at No. 4 but occasionally dropped down to No. 5 or No. 6 to accommodate team strategy. However, for PBKS, he is keen to take on the crucial No. 3 spot.
“IPL is an integral part of Indian cricket, and if I had to mark myself at a position in T20s, it would be No. 3,” Iyer stated at a press conference. “This time, I am quite clear about my position, and as long as the coach approves, I will be focusing on that role.”
Reunion with Ricky Ponting
One of the most exciting aspects of Iyer’s move to PBKS is his reunion with head coach Ricky Ponting. The duo previously worked together at Delhi Capitals, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2020. PBKS went all in at the IPL auction, securing Iyer for a whopping INR 26.75 crore (approximately USD 3.18 million), making him the second-most expensive player in IPL auction history.
Ponting was vocal about his excitement in bringing Iyer to PBKS:
“If you look back at the auction, it was pretty clear who I wanted as captain, and we got what we wanted. I was desperate to work with Shreyas again. He’s one of the best players I’ve worked with and an IPL-winning captain. You couldn’t ask for much more.”
Turning Around PBKS’ Home Record
Punjab Kings had a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, winning just one of their seven home games across Mullanpur and Dharamsala, ultimately finishing second from the bottom. Ponting has identified improving their home performances as a key objective for the upcoming season.
“If you are not winning at home, you are not winning the IPL,” Ponting emphasized. “That’s why I took on this coaching challenge. But there’s no pressure on us—what do we have to lose? We’re going to play a dynamic and entertaining brand of cricket, and I know we have the players to make it happen.”
A Fresh Start for Punjab Kings
With Iyer at the helm and Ponting guiding the team, PBKS is gearing up for an exciting and competitive season. Fans will be eager to see how this new leadership duo can transform the franchise’s fortunes and turn them into genuine title contenders.
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