‘I’m delighted to work with him again’ – Ricky Ponting reflects on Punjab Kings roping in Shreyas Iyer

Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer.
(Photo Source – Getty Images)

The IPL (Indian Premier League) 2025 mega auction is well underway, and with the 10 franchise representatives gathered in Jeddah for the event, there have been some huge bids made for the players on day 1. One of the biggest buys from the marquee set was ace India batter Shreyas Iyer. 

Iyer had set his base price at INR 2 crore; however, after quite a tussle between several franchises, Iyer was roped in by Punjab Kings for a whopping price of INR 26.75 crore. Iyer became the most expensive buy of the IPL auction but was quickly made to sit in second place after Rishabh Pant was sold to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27 crore. 

After roping in Iyer for a massive sum, Punjab Kings’ head coach Ricky Ponting took centre stage and talked about the signing. He also talked about the possibility of Iyer becoming the Punjab Kings’ skipper in the IPL 2025. 

“I haven’t spoken to him (Shreyas Iyer about captaincy) yet. I tried to call him before the auction but he didn’t pick up. He’s been a successful captain in IPL before, I worked with him 3 for 4 years in Delhi and he was the championship winner last season. I’m delighted to work with him again, if he can do that for us in the IPL I’ll be pretty happy,” Ricky Ponting said.

Also Check – DAY 1: IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates on Players Sold, Unsold, Purse Remaining & Full Squad Details

Elated to join Punjab Kings family: Shreyas Iyer

Furthermore, shortly after his signing with Punjab Kings, a video was shared on social media where Shreyas Iyer expressed how delighted he was to have joining Punjab Kings ahead of the IPL 2025. 

“Hello everyone, elated to join the Punjab Kings family. I cannot wait to kickstart with the season, looking forward,” Shreyas Iyer said in the clip.