India’s star batsman Shreyas Iyer has heaped praise on Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting, crediting the Australian legend for providing him with a significant confidence boost throughout his career. 

Speaking at a media interaction ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, where Iyer will captain the Punjab Kings, the 30-year-old reflected on the transformative impact of working with the ICC Hall of Famer, both in their past collaboration and now as they reunite for the upcoming IPL campaign.

“He supports everyone. When I worked with him for the first time in the past,” Iyer said, recalling their earlier stint together at the Delhi franchise in the IPL. “He made me feel like I am a great player and I can easily excel in this format. The confidence he gives a player is of a different level.” That belief, Iyer explained, has been a driving force in his growth as a cricketer, particularly in the white-ball formats.

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Ponting’s Early Praise and Champions Trophy Triumph

The duo’s partnership has already borne fruit, with Ponting tipping Iyer as a key player for India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year. Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting had highlighted Iyer’s exceptional skill set, particularly his prowess against spin bowling. “He’s got the game that will stand up to the white-ball formats, especially in that part of the world,” Ponting said. “We know how good a hitter of spin bowling he is, and teams tend not to bowl a lot of spin at India. But at some stage, it’s going to come. And if Shreyas is out in the middle, then he’s as good as anyone.”

Iyer proved Ponting’s prediction spot-on during India’s triumphant Champions Trophy campaign in 2025. As the tournament’s highest run-getter, Iyer amassed 243 runs at an impressive average of 48.6, playing pivotal roles in India’s knockout victories over Australia (45) and New Zealand (48). His elegant stroke play and ability to find gaps against spin bowling kept India’s chases on track, showcasing the skill and composure Ponting had long championed. Beyond his batting, Iyer also made headlines with a sensational direct-hit run-out during the match against Australia, underlining his all-around value to the three-time Champions Trophy winners.

A New Chapter with Punjab Kings in IPL 2025

Now, as Iyer steps into the IPL 2025 season as captain of Punjab Kings, Ponting’s faith in him remains unwavering. During the same media interaction, the former Australia captain expressed his delight at teaming up with Iyer once again, this time with the added dimension of leadership. “He’s a great human being. He is an IPL-winning captain (with KKR in 2024). We could not have asked for more,” Ponting said. “He has only joined the camp a couple of days ago, so he is starting to make his mark on the team as a captain and as a leader, and that will evolve over the next few days before we get into our first game. But as I said, I could not have been happier.”

Iyer’s journey to this point has been remarkable. Born on December 6, 1994, the Mumbai-born batsman has steadily risen through the ranks of Indian cricket, blending classical technique with modern aggression. His IPL success as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 further solidified his reputation as a natural leader—credentials that Ponting believes will shine through at Punjab Kings. For Ponting, born December 19, 1974, and widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest minds, mentoring talents like Iyer is a continuation of his legacy beyond his playing days.

Looking Ahead: A Partnership to Watch

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on this dynamic player-coach duo. With Iyer fresh off a stellar Champions Trophy performance and Ponting’s proven track record of nurturing talent, Punjab Kings fans have reason to be optimistic. Whether it’s Iyer’s boundary-hitting brilliance or his sharp fielding, or Ponting’s tactical acumen from the dugout, this partnership promises to push the boundaries of what the franchise can achieve.

For Iyer, the message is clear: with Ponting’s backing, the sky’s the limit. And as the IPL looms, he’ll be eager to repay that faith with runs, wins, and perhaps another title to his name. The combination of Iyer’s flair and Ponting’s guidance could well be the recipe for a memorable season for Punjab Kings.

Keywords

• Shreyas Iyer
• Ricky Ponting
• Punjab Kings
• IPL 2025
• ICC Champions Trophy 2025
• India cricket
• Leadership
• Spin bowling
• Confidence