IPL 2025: ‘I wanted to work with Shreyas’ – Ricky Ponting on why PBKS splurged on ‘potential captain’

Punjab Kings didn’t leave a stone unturned in their efforts to bag India batter Shreyas Iyer on day one of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The franchise’s new coach, Ricky Ponting, reflected on his massive bid (INR 26.75 crore), which, until Rishabh Pant’s name came across, was the highest ever in IPL auction history. Having worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals before, Ponting knew what he was doing at the auction table, beating everyone to seal Iyer’s deal.

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Given the budget with which Punjab Kings entered the IPL auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, they were to chase either Iyer, Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul to fill the captain’s slot. With Pant (to LSG for INR 27 crore) and KL Rahul (to DC for INR 14 crore) going elsewhere, Punjab got Iyer, a potential captain, which Ponting wanted.

"He'll be a great leader for our team if we decide to go that way, which I'm pretty sure we probably will," Ricky Ponting said after acquiring his services. 

"I wanted to work with Shreyas," Ponting said while chatting with Star Sports.

"I've worked with him before, and he is a great guy and a great player. He'll be a great leader for our team if we decide to go that way, which I'm pretty sure we probably will. And obviously, he was the championship-winning captain last year. So, there are lots of great things about bringing him to Punjab."

Meanwhile, Iyer was Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain last season, guiding them to their third IPL title by beating SunRisers Hyderabad in the final.

Despite his credentials, things didn’t work out between Iyer and KKR, with both parties mutually parting ahead of the retention date. 

Chahal, Arshdeep back to PBKS

On the other hand, PBKS also made valuable buys in two Indian bowlers – Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, both for INR 18 crore each. Speaking of rejoining PBKS, Chahal said he didn’t expect this amount but admits deserving every ounce of it for what he brings to the table. For the record, the leg-spinner is IPL’s highest wicket-taker with 205 scalps. 

"I was quite nervous and anxious because this amount is what I got in the last three seasons combined.

"I had a hunch, and even my friends told me that I'd go to Punjab, but I had no idea it would be for such a high price. I had 12-13 crore in mind, but I do deserve this. Wherever you go, you always have the opportunity to learn and grow, and I'll make sure to work hard and deliver my best,” Chahal said while talking to Jio Cinema. 

Ponting also talked about PBKS buying Arshdeep Singh, whom they didn’t retain earlier. The left-arm quick was the first name to be auctioned, with his former IPL franchise securing his services again.

"We had certain targets coming into the auction as every team does. Arshdeep was obviously the first one," Ponting said. 

"He's been in our franchise for a number of years. I was really keen to get him back. Left-arm fast bowler, obviously, with a great skill set with the new ball and the old ball and, you know, one of India's leading wicket-takers in T20 cricket. So, he was a perfect fit for us,” the head coach continued. 

(With inputs from agencies)