Punjab Kings made significant moves during the interval between the 2024 and 2025 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They first appointed Australian cricket legend and esteemed T20 coach Ricky Ponting as their head coach. Subsequently, they set a new record for the highest purchase in IPL auction history by acquiring Shreyas Iyer, a record that was shortly surpassed by the Lucknow Super Giants in their acquisition of Rishabh Pant. This acquisition reunited Iyer, who has previously captained the Kings, with Ponting; the two had collaborated at the Delhi Capitals in the past.

Ponting expressed his eagerness to work with Iyer once more, citing their strong rapport during their time at the Capitals. "I was eager to collaborate with Shreyas again. We developed an excellent working relationship at Delhi over an extended period. He ranks among the finest players I have coached," the former Australian captain remarked during a press interaction.

He also highlighted Iyer's achievements, noting that he is now an IPL-winning captain after leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory last season. "He is an exceptional individual and an IPL-winning captain. You couldn't ask for more. He just joined the camp a few days ago, and he is already beginning to assert his influence on the team as both a captain and a leader.

"We have assembled a formidable squad. As you know, the relationship between a captain and coach is crucial in any team, and I am confident that we have established a strong one here," Ponting added.

'I know how he thinks...'

Iyer expressed his pleasure in reuniting with Ponting, stating, "I have collaborated with him for nearly three years in a franchise setting. I understand his perspective on each player, both on and off the field. He provides support to everyone. In some environments, there exists a senior-junior dynamic. 

"However, during my initial experience working with him, he instilled in me the belief that I am a talented player capable of thriving in this format. The level of confidence he imparts is truly exceptional," Iyer remarked.

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