The Punjab Kings have announced that their record acquisition at the 2025 Indian Premier League mega-auction, Shreyas Iyer, is set to lead the franchise for the upcoming season.

Iyer, who led the Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in the previous season, has now reunited with Head Coach Ricky Ponting, as the two will hope to end the franchise’s wait for their maiden IPL title.

The 30-year-old expressed gratitude to the Punjab Kings management. “I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with Coach Ponting. 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."

Ponting also remains excited regarding the time ahead, as he hopes that his partnership with Iyer will help the team deliver as it has done in the past.

“Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver. I have enjoyed my time with Iyer in the past in IPL, and I look forward to working with him again. With his leadership and the talent in the squad, I am excited about the seasons ahead," Ponting shared.

The franchise’s CEO, Satish Menon, also hailed Iyer as a master of the shortest format and hopes that the new leadership group formed can help end their long-standing wait for that maiden IPL title.

“We had identified Shreyas as our captain and were delighted with the auction result. He has already proven himself to master the format, and his vision for the team aligns perfectly with our goals. With him and Ponting joining hands again, we are confident our team has a solid leadership group to guide us to our first title," Menon commented.

Iyer has a captain who has been quite prolific lately. Aside from winning the IPL last year, he was also part of the Mumbai squad that went on to win the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Cup. He was also the captain of the Mumbai team that went on to win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.