Punjab Kings (PBKS) have rejuvenated themselves under the new leadership of Shreyas Iyer, as they look to get their hands on their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2025.
Iyer was acquired for a whopping INR 26.75 crore by Punjab in the mega auction in Jeddah last year. He was surprisingly let go by his former team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), despite helping them lift their third IPL Trophy in 2024.
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Iyer has been reaching new heights in the current season, as he became the only captain in the history of the T20 league to make it to the playoffs with three different franchises.
KKR might be biting their hands now, as their former captain has done wonders with a squad that hasn't reached the playoff stage of the IPL since 2014.
Meanwhile, Robin Uthappa has made a bold claim regarding the PBKS captain.
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What did Robin Uthappa say about Shreyas Iyer?
KKR legend Robin Uthappa made a bold claim regarding the ex-Kolkata skipper, Iyer. Uthappa revealed that the starlet might have felt underappreciated even after last year's triumph, which made him switch to Punjab and still deliver the same results.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Uthappa said, "Shreyas has always been an exceptional captain. You always sensed that he felt underappreciated at KKR, despite adding value there. He moved to a franchise where not much had been achieved historically, and then went on to win it for them. That says a lot about his leadership and belief."
According to reports, Shreyas Iyer was reportedly unhappy with the fact that he was not credited well after what he achieved with the Kolkata-based franchise in the previous season.
It was also speculated that there were serious monetary issues that the KKR management refused to bow to, which happened to be the last straw for the batter.
Iyer became the skipper of the Punjab Kings at a time when his future in the Indian cricket team was uncertain, but the management showed their faith in the Mumbaikar, who has delivered more than required in his first season as a captain.
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His teammate, Shashank Singh, revealed the impact the Mumbaikar has had on the team, and feels grateful to play under his captaincy.
"Shreyas is a dear friend. I've known him for the past 10-15 years. To be very honest, playing under him, with him being the captain , is one of the best things that has happened to me."
Singh further added that the freedom Iyer gives to everyone in the squad is truly remarkable.
"The way he gives freedom to everyone, not just me, but all 25 members of the squad, including the support staff, content team, media team, logistics, it's truly commendable."
Iyer has contributed with the bat, managed his bowlers well and has taken crucial calls in difficult times; the rewards of which the Punjab-based franchise are reaping.
What next for Shreyas Iyer and Punjab Kings?
Punjab sit top of the table with 9 wins out of their 14 games, as they are guaranteed to play the Qualifier I to be held in Maharaja Yadavendra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur on May 29.