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Punjab Kings have announced Shreyas Iyer as their captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This decision marks a significant step for the franchise, which has yet to secure an IPL title since its inception. Iyer becomes the 17th captain in Punjab Kings’ history, succeeding Sam Curran, who led the team in IPL 2024.
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Shreyas Iyer’s Path to Punjab Kings’ Captaincy
Shreyas Iyer’s appointment comes on the back of an impressive IPL career. He previously captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title in 2024, showcasing his exceptional leadership and cricketing skills. Despite this achievement, KKR released him ahead of the 2025 season. Punjab Kings seized the opportunity, acquiring Iyer for a staggering ₹26.75 crore at the auction, making him the second most expensive player of the season.
Iyer’s Vision for Punjab Kings
Expressing his excitement about leading the team, Iyer said:
“I am honored that the team has reposed its faith in me. The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title.”
Iyer’s previous collaboration with coach Ricky Ponting at Delhi Capitals, where they reached the IPL final in 2020, adds a layer of optimism to Punjab Kings’ prospects. Ponting praised Iyer, stating:
“Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver.”
List of All Punjab Kings Captains in IPL History
Here’s a look at Punjab Kings’ captains over the years:
| Captain | Span | Matches | Wins | Losses | W/L Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | 2025 | – | – | – | – |
| Adam Gilchrist | 2011-2013 | 34 | 17 | 17 | 1.00 |
| Yuvraj Singh | 2008-2009 | 29 | 17 | 12 | 1.42 |
| George Bailey | 2014-2015 | 30 | 14 | 16 | 0.88 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 2018-2019 | 28 | 12 | 16 | 0.75 |
| KL Rahul | 2020-2021 | 27 | 11 | 14 | 0.79 |
| Mayank Agarwal | 2021-2022 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 1.00 |
| Glenn Maxwell | 2017 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 1.00 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 2022-2024 | 17 | 6 | 11 | 0.55 |
| David Hussey | 2012-2013 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 1.00 |
| Sam Curran | 2023-2024 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0.83 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 2010 | 13 | 3 | 9 | 0.33 |
| Murali Vijay | 2016 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0.60 |
| David Miller | 2016 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0.20 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 2010 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.00 |
| Virender Sehwag | 2015 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Jitesh Sharma | 2024 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.00 |
Punjab Kings’ Quest for Their Maiden IPL Title
Despite having notable players and captains over the years, Punjab Kings are yet to lift the IPL trophy. Their best performance came in 2014, when they reached the final but lost to Kolkata Knight Riders.
Punjab Kings’ CEO, Satish Menon, expressed confidence in Iyer’s leadership, saying:
“We had identified Shreyas as our captain and were delighted with the auction result. With him and Ponting joining hands again, we are confident our team has a solid leadership group to guide us to our first title.”
Can Shreyas Iyer End Punjab Kings’ Title Drought?
With a dynamic captain in Shreyas Iyer and an experienced coach in Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings are poised for a promising IPL 2025 season. Fans are hopeful this combination will finally deliver the elusive trophy and cement Punjab’s place among IPL champions.
