Ricky Ponting Reveals Shreyas Iyer Not Finalized as PBKS Captain

Shreyas Iyer : The IPL 2025 auction witnessed a huge surprise when Shreyas Iyer was bagged by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a record breaking ₹26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history. But amidst all the excitement surrounding Iyer’s massive price tag, a funny twist has emerged regarding his role as captain of the team.

Ricky Ponting, PBKS’ head coach, hinted that Shreyas Iyer has not yet been officially confirmed as the captain, even though many assumed that his leadership experience would make him the natural choice.

“Didn’t Pick Up Call…” – Ricky Ponting Hints Shreyas Iyer Not Finalized as Captain for PBKS

The Bidding War and Shreyas Iyer’s Record Deal

Shreyas Iyer, the former captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), had a stellar IPL career, leading his team to victory last season. His IPL leadership credentials, paired with his strong batting performance, made him one of the marquee players in the 2025 mega auction.

The bidding war for Iyer was intense, with KKR, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings all vying for his signature. After KKR dropped out at ₹9.75 crore, the battle intensified between Delhi and Punjab, eventually seeing PBKS secure Iyer for a whopping ₹26.75 crore.

This deal made headlines not only because of Iyer’s price but also due to the expectation that he would lead PBKS in the upcoming IPL season.

Ricky Ponting’s Surprising Revelation About Captaincy

While many fans were excited to see Iyer lead his new franchise, Ricky Ponting’s comments during a press conference have raised some eyebrows. Ponting, who worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals and saw him lead the team to a title, revealed that he hasn’t spoken to Shreyas Iyer about the captaincy yet.

In fact, Ponting even mentioned that he tried calling Iyer before the auction to discuss the captaincy but didn’t get a response. Here’s what Ponting said about it:

“I haven’t spoken to him (Shreyas Iyer about captaincy) yet. I tried to call him before the auction but he didn’t pick up. He’s been a successful captain in IPL before, I worked with him 3-4 years in Delhi and he was the championship winner last season. I’m delighted to work with him again, if he can do that for us in the IPL, I’ll be pretty happy.”

While Ponting’s light-hearted comment may have been in jest, it also indicates that the captaincy decision has yet to be finalized, despite Iyer’s proven track record as a leader.

Iyer’s Captaincy Legacy

Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy legacy is impressive. He has been a successful leader, particularly with Delhi Capitals, where he guided them to the IPL final and helped nurture young talent. His leadership style is often praised for being calm and tactical, and his ability to manage pressure has made him a top contender for leading any IPL franchise.

Given Iyer’s success and his high-profile signing with PBKS, it seems almost inevitable that he will take on the captaincy. However, Ponting’s comment sheds light on the fact that this is still under consideration, possibly due to team dynamics or other strategic decisions yet to be made.

What Does This Mean for PBKS?

While Shreyas Iyer’s leadership is highly likely, Ponting’s uncertainty suggests there may be other factors at play. It could be a formality or even a strategy to assess the team’s chemistry before making the final call on the captaincy.

Ponting, who has worked with Iyer in the past and knows his strengths, may be leaving some room for team discussions or personal preferences. Whatever the case, PBKS fans can expect an exciting season ahead, with Shreyas Iyer’s explosive batting skills and leadership experience likely playing a crucial role in the team’s success.

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