Punjab Kings surprised everyone at the 2025 IPL auction by spending a massive ₹26.75 crore to bring in Shreyas Iyer. The franchise was determined to get the experienced Indian batter and leader, especially after he was released by Kolkata Knight Riders. PBKS coach Ricky Ponting, who had earlier worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals, explained that they “wanted him at any cost.”
According to Ponting, the team needed a strong Indian captain who could take charge during matches. While the coach sets the plans, once the game begins, it’s the captain who leads on the field. Ponting and the team management believed that Shreyas Iyer was the best option, given his leadership skills and past performances. He added that Iyer has already made a great impression on the squad and played a key role in the team’s early success this season.
Confidence and Preparation Key to Shreyas Iyer’s Success
Ricky Ponting praised Iyer not just for his leadership, but also for his confident approach to the game. He shared how Iyer’s self-belief stems from thorough preparation. Ponting pointed out that during a recent match, Iyer walked out to bat with great confidence, showing that he was mentally ready.
According to Ponting, this level of confidence only comes when a player knows they have prepared well. He believes Iyer’s ability to stay focused and do the small things right is what makes him stand out. With two half-centuries in the first three matches, Iyer has already scored 159 runs, showing exactly why PBKS invested so much in him.
Strong Coach-Captain Bond Behind Team’s Vision
There has been a lot of talk about how the role of a coach is evolving in T20 cricket. However, Ponting believes that a strong partnership between the coach and the captain is still essential. Unlike football, where managers have more control during matches, cricket requires trust and understanding between the coach and captain.
Ponting shared that his long-standing working relationship with Iyer made the decision easy. He trusts Iyer’s cricketing mind and leadership and values the mutual respect they share. With PBKS already doing well this season—two wins out of three matches—the team looks solid under Iyer’s leadership and Ponting’s guidance.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.