IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Captain Shreyas Iyer Discloses His Preferred Batting Position For The Franchise

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have long been one of the most enigmatic teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite assembling talented squads year after year, the franchise has struggled to achieve consistent results, with their last top-four finish dating back to 2014. Over the past decade, PBKS has endured a cycle of rebuilding, leadership changes, and disappointing performances, often failing to live up to their potential.

However, as IPL 2025 approaches, there is renewed hope among fans and management alike. The franchise has undergone a significant overhaul, bringing in a new captain, reinforcing its squad, and adopting a fresh approach to leadership and strategy. The appointment of Shreyas Iyer as PBKS’ captain has been one of the most talked-about moves of the season, signaling the team’s intent to build a strong, competitive unit that can challenge for the coveted IPL title.

Shreyas Iyer Takes Charge: A New Era for Punjab Kings

A major shift in PBKS’ philosophy for IPL 2025 is the appointment of Shreyas Iyer as captain. Iyer, who played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) title-winning campaign last season, brings a wealth of leadership experience and stability to Punjab’s setup. His appointment marks a strategic move by the franchise, aiming to provide the team with a calm, tactical, and experienced leader who has already proven his ability to guide a team through high-pressure situations.

Replacing Shikhar Dhawan as Captain

Iyer replaces veteran Shikhar Dhawan, who led the side in the previous two seasons. While Dhawan’s leadership was steady, PBKS struggled with inconsistency, often losing crucial matches due to lapses in execution. The transition to Iyer marks a shift toward a more aggressive, calculated, and tactically astute approach.

Having previously captained Delhi Capitals (DC) to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, including a runners-up finish in IPL 2020, Iyer is no stranger to handling the pressures of captaincy. His ability to anchor innings, adapt to different match situations, and inspire his teammates makes him an ideal candidate to lead a franchise looking for a turnaround.

A Record-Breaking Investment: Punjab Kings Go All-In on Iyer

PBKS made headlines during the IPL 2025 mega auction by acquiring Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL auction history. The franchise’s decision to make such a massive investment in Iyer reflects their commitment to long-term stability and leadership clarity.

A Proven Partnership with Ricky Ponting

One of the key factors behind Iyer’s acquisition was his previous collaboration with Ricky Ponting, who is now PBKS’ head coach. The duo worked together at Delhi Capitals, where they transformed the team into one of the most consistent franchises between 2019 and 2021. Under Ponting’s mentorship, Iyer flourished as a leader, guiding DC to its maiden IPL final in 2020.

By reuniting the Iyer-Ponting partnership, PBKS has laid the foundation for a well-structured and strategic approach to IPL 2025. Ponting’s aggressive coaching philosophy, coupled with Iyer’s ability to execute plans effectively, could prove to be the winning formula that PBKS has long been searching for.

Iyer Reveals His Batting Plans for IPL 2025

With his leadership role confirmed, speculation arose regarding Iyer’s preferred batting position in PBKS’ lineup. In a recent press conference, Iyer clarified that he intends to bat at No. 3, provided the coach approves.

“I already know that IPL is an integral part of Indian cricket. And if I had to mark myself at a particular position in T20s, it would be No. 3. That’s what I’m focusing on. I wouldn’t say we are overthinking the batting order, but this time, I’m quite clear about my role. I want to bat at No. 3, and as long as the coach approves, I’ll take on that responsibility,” said Iyer.

Why No. 3?

Iyer’s preference for the No. 3 role stems from his consistent performances in that position across various formats. He played a crucial role in India’s unbeaten Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, where he stabilized the middle order with match-winning knocks. Even in IPL 2024, when he led KKR to the title, he primarily batted at No. 3, occasionally shifting down the order based on team requirements.

This batting position allows him to:

Anchor the innings if an early wicket falls.
Accelerate the scoring rate after the powerplay.
Adapt to different match situations, whether setting a target or chasing.

Given PBKS’ aggressive batting lineup, Iyer’s stability at No. 3 will be crucial in ensuring that the team doesn’t suffer collapses and maintains momentum throughout the innings.

Punjab Kings’ Squad Strength for IPL 2025

Apart from the leadership transition, PBKS has assembled a well-balanced squad, blending youth with experience. Some of their key strengths include:

1. Explosive Batting Lineup

PBKS has always been known for its power-hitting capabilities, and IPL 2025 will be no different. With Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Shashank Singh in their ranks, Punjab boasts one of the most aggressive middle orders in the tournament.

Bairstow: Can provide blistering starts in the powerplay.
Livingstone: A dangerous finisher who can change the game within a few overs.
Jitesh Sharma: One of the most promising Indian wicketkeeper-batters in recent seasons.
Shashank Singh: A rising star known for his ability to clear boundaries effortlessly.

2. Strong Spin Department

Punjab Kings have invested in a potent spin attack, with Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar leading the charge. Chahar’s leg-spin provides wicket-taking options in the middle overs, while Brar’s left-arm spin adds versatility.

3. Lethal Pace Attack

PBKS has historically relied on pace, and this season, they have reinforced their bowling lineup with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and Sam Curran.

Rabada: A world-class pacer who thrives in high-pressure situations.
Arshdeep: One of India’s best death-over specialists.
Sam Curran: A utility all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.

With such a well-rounded squad, PBKS has all the ingredients needed to mount a serious challenge for the IPL title.

Can PBKS Finally Break Their Playoff Curse?

Punjab Kings’ last playoff appearance was over a decade ago in IPL 2014, when they finished as runners-up. Since then, the team has struggled with inconsistency, failing to build a core team that can deliver results over multiple seasons.

However, IPL 2025 marks a fresh start. With Shreyas Iyer at the helm, a tactical mastermind like Ricky Ponting as head coach, and a strong squad on paper, PBKS has an opportunity to rewrite their history.

Key Factors That Could Determine PBKS’ Success:

Shreyas Iyer’s Captaincy – His ability to make tactical decisions under pressure.
Batting Consistency – Avoiding collapses and ensuring stability in the middle order.
Death Bowling Execution – Closing out tight matches effectively.
Team Chemistry & Momentum – Adapting to different match situations.

If PBKS can translate their squad strength into on-field performances, they could finally break their playoff drought and emerge as genuine title contenders in IPL 2025.

With a bold new approach, a dynamic captain, and a squad packed with match-winners, Punjab Kings have all the ingredients to flip the script and establish themselves as a dominant force in the IPL. Whether they can deliver on their potential remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—PBKS fans have plenty of reasons to be excited for IPL 2025!

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