IPL 2025 Player Transfer: Shreyas Iyer’s Impact on Punjab Kings

Shreyas Iyer has been named the captain of Punjab Kings for the IPL 2025 season. The right-handed batter, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title in 2024, has now moved to Punjab in a major transfer. After a successful stint at KKR, Iyer will look to bring his leadership experience to a Punjab Kings side that has struggled for consistency over the years.

Shreyas Iyer’s Performance in IPL 2024 (KKR)

• Matches Played: 14

• Total Runs: 351

• Batting Average: 39.00

• Strike Rate: 146.86

• Half-Centuries: 2

• Best Score: 92* (vs Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Iyer was one of KKR’s most valuable players in the 2024 IPL season, leading from the front with the bat and guiding the team to their third IPL title. Under his captaincy, KKR had a dominant season, finishing at the top of the points table and going on to win the final. His tactical awareness, calmness under pressure, and ability to take crucial decisions in big matches were key factors in KKR’s success.

What Shreyas Iyer Brings to Punjab Kings?

Shreyas Iyer Captaincy Role at Punjab Kings

Shreyas Iyer has demonstrated commendable leadership in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

• Number of Matches Captained: 70

• Number of Matches Won as Captain: 38

• Number of Matches Lost as Captain: 29

• Total matches tied as a captain: 2

• No Result: 1

• Winning Percentage: 54.28%

While specific statistics on the total runs scored by Iyer during his captaincy tenure across both franchises are not readily available, his consistent batting performances have been integral to his teams' successes. Notably, he led DC to their first-ever IPL final in 2020 and captained KKR to a title victory in 2024.

Punjab Kings have been searching for a long-term captain, and Iyer’s arrival gives them an experienced leader. He has previously captained Delhi Capitals (2018-2020) scoring total 1,393 runs  leading them to the IPL 2020 final, and was at the helm for KKR in 2022 and 2024 scoring 752 runs .

The Punjab Kings management believes that Iyer’s leadership can bring stability to a team that has often struggled to perform consistently. His ability to control the middle order, rotate the strike, and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable addition. 

Challenges and Expectations

Mullanpur’s pitch is different from Eden Gardens, offering more help to pacers early on and spinners later. Eden Gardens had good bounce, suiting Iyer’s stroke play. Iyer will need to adjust his game based on conditions. If the pitch is slow, he must focus on strike rotation; if it’s true, he can play freely. Punjab Kings have had frequent changes in leadership, and Iyer will have to ensure a settled playing XI. The franchise has never won an IPL title, and expectations will be high.

Shreyas Iyer Record at Mullanpur

Shreyas Iyer has not played any matches at Punjab Kings' new home ground, Mullanpur, making his potential impact there an interesting prospect. Given his composed batting approach and ability to anchor innings, he could find success on a pitch that supports stroke play. If the surface offers true bounce, Iyer's ability to play both spin and pace effectively could make him a key middle-order batter for Punjab Kings. His leadership experience and adaptability will be crucial in navigating this unfamiliar venue, ensuring stability in the batting lineup.

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