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Star batter Shreyas Iyer aims to make history in the 2025 Indian Premier League. The Mumbai batter has accepted a new challenge with Punjab Kings, one of the League's recurring underachievers, after leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to their first championship in ten years in 2024. Additionally, Iyer will get back together with Ricky Ponting, who was named Punjab's head coach in 2025. Before the 2025 Indian Premier League, Shreyas Iyer told reporters what makes Ricky Ponting unique.
Iyer on Ponting
Before 2022, Iyer and Ponting collaborated with the Delhi Capitals, where they were instrumental in the team's march to the 2021 Final game. Ahead of the mega auction, Iyer decided not to be retained by the reigning champions after two seasons with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The second-most expensive purchase in IPL history, Ponting and his management went all out for Iyer in the auction, paying Rs. 26.75 crore for the Indian batter.
"I have had great experiences in the past with Ricky. I always feel he is someone who gives you that freedom, irrespective of what stature you are. It doesn't matter if you are a newcomer or the senior-most member of the team. He has been there and done that. He has obviously worked with all kinds of players at the highest level. I feel he has a great sense of understanding of what the player needs and demands," Shreyas Iyer told Star Sports.
"Whenever he is at a practice session, he ensures everyone gets whatever they need. Only when they are satisfied and content will he leave the ground. The amalgamation of all these qualities sets him apart from everyone. He involves everyone, and that's one of his best traits. It's not only the captain and the coachhe involves the entire team, seeking suggestions on how to improve," he added.
Iyer wants to lead PBKS to maiden title
Despite having good teams, Punjab Kings have struggled to live up to expectations throughout the years. The last time the former finalists made it to the playoffs was in 2014. Shreyas Iyer, however, is optimistic about becoming the first captain to guide the Kings to victory with a redesigned structure that includes a new leadership group.
"From the moment I was picked in the auction, my desire has been clear. Punjab Kings haven't won the IPL yet, and my goal is to lift the trophy for them. That would be a historic achievement, and I want to make the fans happy and give them a reason to celebrate. A Punjabi celebration at the end of the season would be something special!" he said.
PBKS IPL 2025 squad
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Harpreet Brar, Vishnu Vinod, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Pyla Avinash, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Harnoor Pannu, Aaron Hardie, Priyansh Arya, Azmatullah Omarzai
