Shreyas Iyer’s career over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary, marking a remarkable comeback and cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket. His achievements span domestic and international cricket, but it is his leadership and batting exploits in the IPL 2025 with Punjab Kings that have captured the imagination of fans and experts alike.
Unstoppable Form and Major Accolades
- Iyer was named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2025, a testament to his dominant performances during India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign, where he finished as the team’s top run-scorer.
- He played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s domestic season, leading them to titles in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and contributing significantly in the Ranji and Irani Trophy triumphs.
- His international resurgence was capped by India’s Champions Trophy win, where his consistency and composure under pressure stood out.
IPL 2025: Captaincy Masterclass with Punjab Kings
- Iyer’s move to Punjab Kings for a record ₹26.75 crore was headline-grabbing, but he justified the price tag with both bat and leadership.
- He led Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in 11 years, a feat achieved with a stunning unbeaten 87 against Mumbai Indians in the Qualifier 2, chasing down 204 in just 19 overs.
- Under his captaincy, Punjab Kings broke their playoff drought, reaching the final for only the second time since 2014.
- Iyer became the first captain in IPL history to take three different franchises to the final: Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 (winning the title), and now Punjab Kings in 2025.
- His leadership style—marked by calmness under pressure, tactical acumen, and the ability to inspire teammates—has drawn high praise from cricket legends and sparked calls for him to captain India in the future.
Batting Brilliance and Technical Evolution
- Iyer’s IPL 2025 numbers are elite: over 600 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate above 175, making him one of the tournament’s top run-scorers.
- His improvement is attributed to a focused training session with coach Pravin Amre, where he refined his stance and balance, enhancing his power and adaptability against all types of bowling.
- Iyer’s ability to anchor chases and accelerate when needed has made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers, as seen in his match-winning innings against Mumbai Indians.
A Story of Redemption and Leadership
- Iyer’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience. After being dropped from BCCI’s central contracts and facing setbacks, he responded with a string of trophy-winning performances and personal milestones.
- His success with Punjab Kings, especially after not being retained by Kolkata Knight Riders despite a title win, has only added to his legend and silenced critics.
- The partnership with head coach Ricky Ponting at Punjab Kings has been credited for fostering a positive environment and maximizing Iyer’s leadership potential.
Shreyas Iyer: A Trailblazer in Modern Cricket
Shreyas Iyer’s achievements in the past year—culminating in a historic IPL final appearance with Punjab Kings—underscore his status as a modern cricketing great. His blend of batting brilliance, tactical leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity has not only revived franchises but also inspired a new generation of cricketers. As calls grow for him to lead India at the highest level, Iyer’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief in sport.
