Shreyas Iyer, the newly appointed captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS), has officially confirmed that he will bat at the number three position for IPL 2025.
This announcement comes as part of his strategy to establish a clear role within the team, especially after his successful stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the previous season.
Iyer’s Commitment to Batting at No. 3
During a press conference in Chandigarh, Iyer expressed his determination to mark himself at the number three spot, stating, “If I would want to mark myself at some position in T20, it would be No. 3. And that’s what I’m focusing at.”
He emphasized that he is clear about his batting position this season and is committed to performing well in that role, provided he receives approval from the coaching staff.
Historically, Iyer has experience batting at this position but has not done so since IPL 2022.
In the last season, he primarily batted at number four but is now eager to take on the responsibilities that come with batting one spot higher in the order.
This decision aligns with his ambitions for both personal performance and contributing to the team’s success.
Team Composition and Strategy
Currently, PBKS has not finalized its opening pair, although Prabhsimran Singh appears to be a likely candidate alongside either Josh Inglis or Marcus Stoinis.
Iyer’s placement at number three is strategic, as it positions him to capitalize on the firepower behind him in the batting lineup, which includes players like Glenn Maxwell and Nehal Wadhera.
Iyer’s confidence in this role is bolstered by his previous successes and his rapport with coach Ricky Ponting, with whom he shares a strong working relationship from their time together at Delhi Capitals.
Ponting has expressed enthusiasm about having Iyer lead the team, stating that he is one of the best players he has worked with and highlighting the importance of their captain-coach dynamic.
Looking Ahead
With IPL 2025 set to kick off on March 25 against Gujarat Titans, Iyer’s performance will be closely watched as it could also influence his chances for selection in India’s T20I squad ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
He aims not only to lead PBKS effectively but also to contribute significantly to their quest for an IPL title—a goal that has eluded the franchise thus far.
