Shreyas Iyer – the name that is synonymous with poise and class in Indian cricket – is about to embark on a wild ride as the next season of IPL commences. In an unexpected turn of events, Iyer was placed at the centre of Punjab Kings after his unexpected departure with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). 

But can he make the claim and live up to his big-ticket price tag? Let’s find out.

A New Era with KKR The Death of an Era with KKR

Shreyas Iyer’s time at KKR was nothing short of phenomenal. His cool management and consistency helped them to the IPL 2024 title – ending a 10-year franchise drought. But, in spite of his heroics, the move by KKR to part company with their skipper left supporters wondering what the hell had gone wrong.

In an interview, Iyer shared how ill communication marked his exit. He sat around for months, waiting to know whether or not he would remain on the team, only to find himself suspended at the last minute. That was an acrimonious pill to swallow for a player who had not only put up numbers on the court but had shown that he was an invaluable asset when under pressure.

KKR’s exit was similar to how they treated the former captain Eoin Morgan who was sacked following the team’s run to the IPL 2021 final. But maybe the franchise is right about that, but you can’t shake the déjà vu and ask yourself: how did they retain leadership?

A Record-Breaking Auction

If KKR’s loss was a slap in the face, then the IPL 2025 auction was the confirmation of Shreyas Iyer’s worth in cricket. The Punjab Kings got Iyer in a pricey bidding war in Jeddah for an unbelievable INR 26.75 crore (a short-lived record) before Rishabh Pant’s INR 27 crore contract with Lucknow Super Giants claimed the headlines.

Iyer’s response to the bidding wars was equal parts awe and shock. He sat in Hyderabad while the auction took place and said he felt jaded by the demand for his services. That sort of pressure makes him one of the IPL’s most stable batsmen (as well as a captain).

The Fit with Punjab Kings

And with the Punjab Kings now, Iyer enters a side that has never managed to stick around the IPL. Punjab has been a perfect franchise, but it has never had too much success. Iyer’s visit is a possible revolution.

The middle order gets a bit of balance from Iyer as a batter. He can hold up an innings and then go full throttle if required, which is one of the T20 cricketers’ strengths. He’s not a runner; he’s a change-maker willing to play any role, whether looking to make a monster out of nothing or creating a vulnerable target.

He is best in bat, but the Punjab Kings need Iyer the most in leadership. His demeanour and cricketing intellect might be the team’s gumbo. If you’re playing a tournament as unpredictable as the IPL, having a captain who can remain calm under fire is essential.

We will likely see a massive increase in IPL betting and odds on 10CRIC once Iyer relaxes into his new role – there’s so much potential. 

Adjusting to the Impact Player Rule

Shreyas Iyer will have one of the biggest learning curves this season concerning the impact player rule in the IPL. This rule was first announced in 2023 and has shifted how teams implement their strategy, giving more leeway and prompting captains and coaches to make quicker decisions.

Iyer has written about how the rule has changed the players’ attitude, especially the batters. The less the fear of losing, the more players take chances with the first ball, and the more exciting the game becomes. Meanwhile, Iyer has complained about how the rule marginalises all-rounders and that strategic depth has become more critical than ever.

Using this rule well for Punjab Kings will mean the difference between another poor season and a playoff spot. They have a captain in Iyer who knows what it means to be flexible in a fast-changing format.

Closing the KKR Chapter

Shreyas Iyer’s exit from KKR might have been disappointing, but it’s no secret he is ready to move on. Perhaps the franchise hasn’t spoken with him, but that has driven him to prove himself on the biggest stage.

For KKR, Iyer’s signing might be a dud. Building a championship team takes years, and staying consistent in leadership is often the secret to longevity. Losing a veteran leader, KKR has shattered their own pace and that of a competitor.

Conclusion

There is so much at stake for Shreyas Iyer, who is only in his first season with the Punjab Kings. And he’s not a poster boy; he’s the face of a team that could use a change. It’s for Iyer to prove his KKR days were a washout, and he can get any team to victory.

The 2025 IPL season will be a test for Iyer as a player and a leader. Will he fit into the mould of a new franchise? Will his batsmanship and bowling knowledge get him the wickets for Punjab?

Let’s just say that Shreyas Iyer is a man who gets on with the pace. His franchise potential and record contract are riding on his shoulders, so this season could be his time to shine. Punjab Kings fans can be sure of that based on his recent performances.

Of course, there’s always the chance that Iyer will drop the ball. But all indications point towards this not being the case. We must wait and see, but the Punjab Kings may soon be on an upward trajectory.