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For over a decade, Punjab Kings were known as the “almost” team of the IPL — talented but inconsistent, exciting but underachieving. But in IPL 2025, the franchise finally flipped the script. The man behind this transformation? Shreyas Iyer.
In a season filled with dramatic turnarounds and fierce competition, Shreyas Iyer’s arrival as PBKS captain brought not only a breath of fresh air but also a new identity to the team. He didn’t just lead — he inspired, strategized, and most importantly, delivered.
Let’s dive into how Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and personal brilliance made IPL 2025 one of the most memorable seasons in Punjab Kings’ history.
⭐ The Mega Move: A Captain Bought with Belief
PBKS stunned everyone in the auction room when they bought Shreyas Iyer for a whopping ₹26.75 crore, making him the most expensive player of the season. While critics questioned the price, the franchise saw something greater: a proven leader with a calm head, a strong bat, and a sharp mind.
From the very first game, it was clear PBKS weren’t just investing in a player — they were investing in a culture shift.
👑 Captain Cool: Calm, Clear, and Calculated
What sets Iyer apart as a captain is his ability to stay composed under pressure. While other captains react emotionally, Iyer thinks like a chess master. He’s always a step ahead — reading the pitch, understanding the opposition, and backing his players at the right time.
His field placements were aggressive yet smart. He shuffled bowlers perfectly based on match-ups, and used the Impact Player rule more effectively than most. Whether it was trusting spinners during powerplays or keeping cool in death overs, Iyer’s decisions often turned games.
🔥 A Batting Masterclass: Shreyas Leads from the Front
A true leader doesn’t just speak — he performs. And in IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer delivered his best-ever IPL season with the bat.
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 514
- Average: 51.40
- Strike Rate: 171.91
- Highest Score: 97* (not out)
He batted at No. 3, the most crucial position in T20 cricket. His job was to hold the innings together and accelerate when needed — and he did it brilliantly.
In many matches, Iyer walked in after an early wicket, soaked up pressure, and then exploded in the second half of the innings. His strike rate in the middle and death overs was elite, often crossing 200+, especially against pace. He was Punjab’s anchor and finisher rolled into one.
💪 Turning a Team into a Unit
One of Iyer’s biggest successes was turning Punjab Kings from a team of individuals into a strong, united unit. He built trust with his players and gave them confidence to play their natural game.
Unlike previous seasons, where PBKS looked confused in crunch moments, this year they looked in control. Youngsters were fearless, and seniors were focused. This shift in mindset came directly from Iyer’s influence.
His communication was open. He celebrated every success, and never blamed anyone in defeat. As a result, the team played for each other — not just for stats or survival.
🚀 Playoff Breakthrough: Ending an 11-Year Wait
Under Iyer’s guidance, Punjab Kings finally broke their 11-year playoff curse. They finished the league stage in the top two, something they hadn’t done since 2014.
Big wins, smart chases, and solid bowling efforts made PBKS one of the most balanced teams of the tournament. While the final trophy remained just out of reach, the season was a massive success and a long-overdue redemption story for the franchise.
🤝 The Ponting Partnership: Coach + Captain in Sync
Behind every great captain is a smart support system — and Iyer had that in legendary coach Ricky Ponting. The two shared a clear vision, open communication, and mutual respect.
Ponting focused on long-term planning and man-management, while Iyer executed strategies on the ground. Their partnership created a winning environment — professional, yet relaxed.
This combination gave PBKS a confident rhythm that rarely broke, even in tough games.
📊 Stat Box: Iyer’s 2025 Season in Numbers
- Runs: 514
- 50+ Scores: 4
- Strike Rate (Overs 11-14): 214
- Strike Rate (Overs 17-20): 258
- Against Pace: Strike Rate – 185
- Captaincy Record: 9 wins in 14 league matches
- Playoff Qualification: 2nd on points table
These numbers not only reflect his talent, but also his ability to adapt and dominate under pressure.
🌟 What Made Iyer Different?
- Fearless Decisions: Took bold calls, like promoting finishers or keeping calm during tough chases.
- Consistency: Rarely had an off-game. Always contributed with either runs or smart captaincy.
- Player Development: Helped youngsters find confidence, and made even underperforming players feel valued.
- Game Sense: Knew when to attack, when to defend, and how to control tempo.
🔮 Looking Ahead: Is a Title Next?
With Iyer at the helm, Punjab Kings are no longer the underachievers of the IPL. They are contenders — sharp, hungry, and united.
The team now has a clear leader, a defined structure, and belief. If they continue building on this momentum, an IPL trophy in the next season is not a dream — it’s a strong possibility.
Conclusion: A New King for Kings
Shreyas Iyer didn’t just lead Punjab Kings — he revived them.
He gave the team a new face, a new voice, and most importantly, a new belief. In a league that demands quick thinking and mental toughness, Iyer stood out as one of the finest leaders of the tournament.
For PBKS fans, IPL 2025 wasn’t just a good season — it was the season hope returned. And it all began with one bold decision: making Shreyas Iyer their captain.
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