Shreyas Iyer has left no room for doubt—he knows exactly where he wants to bat in IPL 2024. As the newly appointed captain of Punjab Kings, Iyer has made it clear that he is locking in on the No. 3 position.
“We already know that IPL is an integral part of Indian cricket. If I want to mark myself at some position in T20, it would be number 3. And that's what I'm focusing on,” Iyer said with conviction. “This time, I’m quite clear about that position. And I’m going to be focusing on that number.”
His clarity and determination come at a crucial time for Punjab Kings, a franchise looking to rise from the shadows of inconsistency. And Iyer isn’t alone in this mission. His head coach, the legendary Ricky Ponting, is just as invested in making this project a success.
Ponting, who has previously worked with Iyer during their time at Delhi Capitals, is eager to reunite with his former captain. “I wanted to try and bring players and leaders like Shreyas, Arshdeep, and Yuzi Chahal into Punjab Kings to try and rebuild from the bottom up,” said the Australian great.
Iyer and Ponting were instrumental in transforming Delhi Capitals into a formidable unit between 2019 and 2021. Under their leadership, DC made the playoffs consistently, even reaching the IPL final in 2020. Their successful collaboration was often compared to the Batman-Robin dynamic—Ponting providing the strategic sharpness while Iyer led from the front with composure and intent.
With Punjab Kings eager for a fresh start, fans are hopeful that this duo can recreate their past success. The franchise has struggled to find its footing over the years, frequently changing captains and coaches. But now, with Iyer at the helm and Ponting in his corner, there’s a renewed sense of optimism.
As the IPL season approaches, all eyes will be on Punjab Kings. Will this be the year they finally turn their fortunes around? One thing is certain—Shreyas Iyer is ready to own the No. 3 spot and lead from the front.
