IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting backs Shreyas Iyer as a capable captaincy prospect

Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting on Sunday rated Shyreas Iyer, whom they have bought for Rs 26.75 crore in the mega auction, as the ideal choice to lead the team in IPL 2025 as the Indian batter has the experience of guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to tile earlier this year. Iyer's Rs 26.75 crore bid briefly made him the most expensive IPL player in history before his India teammate Rishabh Pant set a new benchmark with a staggering Rs 27 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants. "I've worked with him in the past in Delhi (Capitals); he's been a successful captain in the IPL before," said Ponting in a mid-auction press meet. "Obviously, he's a championship-winning captain from last season. We've got someone there who can do the job if that's the way we decide to go," he said. The Aussie World Cup-winning captain also highlighted Iyer's stellar unbeaten 130 for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Saturday. "I'm delighted to have him back and work with him. He also got a good .