Shreyas Iyer justifies Rs 26.7 cr tag with leadership and runs for Punjab Kings

When Punjab Kings splurged Rs 26.7 cr on Shreyas Iyer at the IPL-2025 auction, they were investing not just in a premier Indian batter at the peak of his white-ball powers but also in a leader they believed could transform the franchise.

Iyer arrived with a strong captaincy résumé. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024 and in 2020. He played a key role in guiding Delhi Capitals to their maiden IPL final. Last season, he justified the outlay by taking PBKS to their first final in over a decade, becoming the only player to captain three franchises to an IPL final.

The Mumbaikar has also forged a productive partnership with head coach Ricky Ponting, with his positive approach filtering through to a young squad. Those around the team describe Iyer as a proactive, inspirational leader who prefers to dictate terms rather than react.

Captaincy, if anything, has elevated his batting. He amassed 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 last season. It was his best IPL return. He has begun the 2026 campaign well, too, with two match-winning fifties in three innings.

By absorbing pressure himself, Iyer has allowed the middle order to play with freedom. Nehal Wadhera, who shared a decisive stand with him in last season’s Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians, credited the skipper for fostering a relaxed environment.

After a modest start this season, Wadhera revealed that Iyer encouraged him to “play freely”.

“Taking pressure is my job,” Wadhera quoted him as saying. “It tells you a lot about him as a captain. He enjoys the pressure. For a captain to say, ‘Play your own game, don’t worry about results, I’ll take responsibility,’ is huge.”

Wadhera also praised Ponting’s influence. “There are no negative words with him. There’s no fear of failure. He keeps telling us to play freely and promises backing. That creates a great atmosphere,” he said and stressed that he had never worked with a coach who is as positive as the Australian great.

Jacks to join MI soon

Mumbai Indians on Wednesday confirmed that England allrounder Will Jacks is “on his way” and will join the squad shortly. The franchise has not specified the reason for the delay in his arrival.