Ricky Ponting confirms Shreyas Iyer as Punjab Kings captain for IPL 2025 season

Ricky Ponting confirmed that Shreyas Iyer will captain Punjab Kings in the 2025 Indian Premier League season after the team acquired him for INR 26.75 crore. Iyer's price surpassed Mitchell Starc's previous record of INR 24.75 crore. Ponting attempted to contact Iyer after the auction but could not reach him. He expressed confidence in Iyer's leadership, noting his successful past as a captain and recent performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Punjab Kings did not bid for Rishabh Pant, who went to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27 crore. Ponting explained that acquiring Iyer eliminated the need for Pant, despite acknowledging Pant's talent and value to any team.