Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer can showcase his leadership skills in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Chopra stated that Iyer feels he hasn’t received enough recognition for guiding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the title in the 2024 season.
Shreyas Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to one of the most dominant seasons in IPL history. The Knight Riders finished at the top of the table and secured the title. However, he was not retained by KKR. Punjab Kings acquired him for ₹26.75 crore, making him the second-highest-priced player in IPL history.
Shreyas Iyer Said He Didn’t Get the Credit He Deserved – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Shreyas Iyer has a strong relationship with head coach Ricky Ponting. He also stated that Iyer now has a chance to prove himself again with PBKS after not receiving credit for leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title.
“Opportunities are endless. One is for Shreyas Iyer, just the golden touch that he has, and the relationship he has with Punter (Ricky Ponting). Can he replicate that at one more place? He said he didn’t get the credit he deserved for what he did with KKR. He lifted the trophy,” Chopra said.
Shreyas Iyer was named Punjab Kings captain for the IPL 2025 season. Iyer worked with Ricky Ponting at Delhi Capitals (DC) from 2018 to 2020. Under their leadership, DC reached the playoffs in 2019 and finished as runners-up in 2020. Ponting continued as DC’s head coach until the 2024 season.
He Might Want to Get Over Here – Aakash Chopra
Chopra said that Shreyas Iyer might be motivated after not receiving enough credit for his past leadership achievements. He noted that leading Punjab Kings successfully in IPL 2025 could help Iyer move past any lingering disappointment.
“So now I think there is something somewhere which is just hurting a little. I am not saying seething, but a little hurt is there somewhere, which he might want to get over here. You took Delhi to the final and won Kolkata the final, so project Punjab and the relationship between Shreyas and Ponting, I think that’s a huge opportunity,” Chopra observed.
The Kings have struggled in recent IPL seasons, with their last playoff appearance coming in 2014. With Ponting and Iyer’s appointments, PBKS are aiming for a much-needed turnaround in IPL 2025.
They Might Open with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya – Aakash Chopra
In the same video, Aakash Chopra said that Priyansh Arya has a golden opportunity to showcase his talent against international players. The former Indian opener said that Arya could be considered as an opening partner for Prabhsimran Singh.
“The second opportunity I see is for Priyansh Arya, if he gets a chance. He hit a lot in DPL (Delhi Premier League). He was hitting a lot of sixes, he hit six sixes in an over, but can he replicate that if he gets an opportunity, because there is an outside chance that they might open with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya,” Chopra said.
The cricketer-turned-analyst added that Indian pacers have a great opportunity to prove themselves. He mentioned that PBKS will need additional fast bowlers alongside Arshdeep, especially if they play Marco Jansen or Azmatullah Omarzai.
PBKS bought Arshdeep as their most expensive pace-bowling buy at ₹18 crore in the auction. Vyshak Vijaykumar (₹1.80 crore), Yash Thakur (₹1.60 crore), and Kuldeep Sen (₹80 lakh) were also purchased by the team.
Also read: IPL 2025: Venkatesh Iyer not worth ₹23.75 crore? Ajinkya Rahane drops colossal statement
