Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The announcement was made during a special appearance on the reality show ‘Bigg Boss’, where Bollywood superstar Salman Khan revealed the decision.
Iyer, a seasoned IPL player, was acquired by Punjab Kings for a substantial ₹26.75 crore (approximately $3.18 million) during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. This acquisition made him the second-most expensive player in IPL history, just behind Rishabh Pant, who was bought for ₹27 crore by Lucknow Super Giants.
Prior to joining Punjab Kings, Iyer captained Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024. His leadership skills and strategic acumen were key factors in his selection as the new captain for Punjab Kings
Under Iyer’s leadership, Punjab Kings aim to secure their maiden IPL title, leveraging his experience and the team’s strong lineup. The upcoming season is expected to be a significant one for the franchise, with high expectations from both the management and fans.
Shreyas Iyer’s Record
T20I Debut:
- Date: November 1, 2016
- Opponent: New Zealand
- Performance: He scored 9 runs in his debut match, but his future performances showed his growth in the format.
Batting Stats (as of January 2025):
- Matches Played: 56+
- Innings: 54
- Runs Scored: 1,200+
- Batting Average: Around 30
- Strike Rate: 130+ (impressive for a middle-order batsman)
- Half-Centuries: 6+
- Highest Score: 74 (against Australia, 2021)
Key Achievements:
- Consistency: Although his average in T20Is is a bit lower than in ODIs, Iyer has been consistent with his performances, particularly in chases or tricky situations.
- Adaptability: One of Iyer’s strengths in T20Is is his ability to adapt his batting style depending on the match situation—whether it’s setting up an innings or finishing it.
- Key Performances: Iyer’s most notable innings include his 74 runs against Australia in the 2021 T20I series, where he anchored the innings and played an important role in India’s successful chase.
- Strike Rate: Iyer’s strike rate of 130+ makes him a dangerous proposition in the middle overs and at the death, contributing to quick scoring when needed.
Batting Style:
- Iyer is known for his elegant stroke play and classy shots across all parts of the ground, making him a flexible player who can adjust his approach.
- His ability to rotate the strike in the middle overs, combined with his capability to hit big shots when needed, makes him valuable in the T20 format.
- While not as aggressive as some of his counterparts, his calm approach and ability to build partnerships in the middle order have been key to India’s success in T20Is.
Strengths in T20Is:
- Anchor role: Iyer’s ability to hold the innings together and guide it through the middle overs is crucial for India, especially when top-order wickets fall early.
- Finishing: Though he often plays a longer role in the middle overs, Iyer can accelerate towards the end of the innings with timely boundaries and well-timed strokes.
- Chasing: He has often been part of successful chases, providing balance and stability to the team when required.
Role in the Team:
- Iyer typically bats at number 4 or 5 in T20Is, where his role is often to stabilize the innings or build partnerships with the finishers. His flexibility and adaptability make him an asset in any scenario, whether chasing or setting a target.
Conclusion:
Shreyas Iyer is an important player in India’s T20I setup, contributing not only with his batting but also with his ability to adapt to different situations. His performances in the middle order have helped India maintain stability, and his flexibility makes him a valuable asset, especially in high-pressure situations like those in T20 World Cups and bilateral series.
Shreyas Iyer’s Record ipl
Shreyas Iyer has been a standout player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his leadership and batting skills have earned him recognition. Here’s an overview of his IPL career:
IPL Debut:
- Year: 2015
- Team: Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals)
- Performance: Iyer made a strong impact in his debut season, scoring runs consistently, and soon became one of the team’s key players.
IPL Career Stats (as of 2024):
- Matches Played: 100+ (as of IPL 2024)
- Innings: 90+
- Runs Scored: 2,300+ (approx.)
- Batting Average: Around 31
- Strike Rate: 130+
- Centuries: 0
- Half-Centuries: 17+
- Highest Score: 93 (against Gujarat Lions, 2017)
Key Achievements:
- Captaincy: Iyer was appointed captain of Delhi Daredevils (later Delhi Capitals) in 2018. Under his leadership, the team saw significant improvement, finishing as the IPL 2020 finalists, their first-ever appearance in the final.
- Batting: As a batsman, Iyer has been a consistent performer, especially in the middle order. He has contributed significantly with his calm and composed batting approach.
- Batting Style: Known for his elegant stroke play, Iyer plays both the aggressive and anchor roles effectively. His ability to play shots all around the ground makes him a versatile batsman, ideal for any position in the middle order.
IPL Captaincy:
- Shreyas Iyer’s leadership saw Delhi Capitals evolve into one of the top teams in the league. He captained the team from 2018 to 2021 and helped Delhi reach the 2020 IPL final, a landmark achievement for the franchise.
- Iyer’s leadership is characterized by his strategic acumen, calm demeanor, and ability to make key decisions under pressure. His captaincy helped develop several young players and provided them with a platform to showcase their talent.
Move to Punjab Kings (2025):
- After a successful tenure with Delhi, Iyer was bought by Punjab Kings for a record fee in the 2025 IPL auction. Punjab Kings, who have been in search of a successful captain, will be hoping that Iyer’s leadership can help them secure their first-ever IPL title.
Strengths in IPL:
- Consistency: Iyer has consistently scored runs for his teams, especially in crucial moments. His ability to anchor an innings and build partnerships is invaluable.
- Flexibility: He can adapt his game depending on the situation, playing an attacking role when needed or stabilizing the innings when required.
- Finishing: Though not always at the crease in the death overs, Iyer has shown his ability to accelerate when needed, with crucial late strikes.
Key Performances:
- Iyer’s most memorable performances came during IPL 2019 and 2020, where he led Delhi Capitals to the final, and his batting contributions were central to their success.
- His 93-run knock against Gujarat Lions in 2017 remains one of his best individual performances, showcasing his ability to dominate and anchor the innings simultaneously.
Conclusion:
Shreyas Iyer has established himself as one of the best middle-order batsmen in the IPL and as a leader who can take a team to the top. His record with Delhi Capitals, especially his leadership, has made him one of the most respected figures in the IPL. With his new role as captain of Punjab Kings, Iyer’s experience and leadership qualities will be vital in guiding the team toward their maiden IPL title.