Shreyas Iyer is ready to captain Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025 and has made it amply clear that he wishes to bat at No. 3. The winner of the Champions Trophy positively asserted his ideal role, stating that he is determined to assume the vital role for his new team. The past two years have been extraordinary for Iyer. He led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL championship and was his side’s highest scorer in the Champions Trophy.
Now, with him assuming charge of PBKS, he becomes the 17th player to lead the team. Talking about his batting role in a recent press conference attended by PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, Iyer elaborated. Though he was primarily playing at No. 4 for KKR during the previous season, now he is determined to take back the No. 3 position.
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“We already know that IPL is a part of Indian cricket, and if I have to make a mark in T20s, No. 3 is where I visualize myself. That’s what I am working towards. There is no confusion this time. I’m very clear as to my role, and as long as the coach is okay, that’s where I will be batting,” said Shreyas Iyer.
I WILL BAT AT NUMBER 3 , I AM VERY CLEAR ON THAT , I AM PREPARING ACCORDINGLY : Shreyas Iyer pic.twitter.com/1B3DBQoznH
— AARYAN (@AARYAN0791) March 18, 2025
This does not have to be the first time Iyer and Ponting are a captain-coach combination. The pair previously worked together at Delhi Capitals from 2019 to 2021, a time that witnessed Iyer’s initial years as an IPL captain. During their collaboration, DC reached new heights, providing three successive playoff appearances.
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It was under Iyer’s captaincy that Delhi Capitals made it to their first-ever IPL final in 2020, playing against Mumbai Indians. Although they lost by five wickets, Iyer led by example and scored an unbeaten 65 in 50 deliveries in the final.
Now, as he starts a new chapter at Punjab Kings, Iyer will seek to repeat the same success and become one of the most consistent No. 3 batsmen in the tournament. Having Ponting back by his side, PBKS supporters will be optimistic of a change of fortunes in IPL 2025.
