Can Shreyas Iyer Guide Punjab Kings to Their First IPL Trophy?

New Delhi, May 29 (NationPress) Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer discussed the team's revitalized mindset and his determination to end the franchise's title drought by securing the IPL trophy, giving fans a significant reason to celebrate.

Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in IPL 2024, was signed by PBKS during last year's mega auction for an impressive Rs 26.75 crore. This investment has proven successful as the team has achieved a top-two finish, making the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

"Since I was selected in the auction, my ambition has been straightforward — Punjab has yet to win the trophy, and my aim is to assist the team in lifting it for the first time. I aspire to make our fans proud and give them a reason to rejoice — because ultimately, we all long to witness that iconic Punjabi celebration," stated Iyer on Star Sports.

Under Iyer's leadership and the mentorship of head coach Ricky Ponting, PBKS has transformed its approach. Iyer and Ponting had previously collaborated at Delhi Capitals, where they reached the playoffs in 2019 and finished as runners-up in 2020. Now reunited in the PBKS setup, their partnership has rejuvenated the team's prospects, aiming for their inaugural IPL title.

Ponting commented on the cultural shift he is fostering within the squad, emphasizing the collective drive to achieve greater success this season: "When I initially took the role, I made it clear to the owners that things would be different. However, articulating that is one thing; getting the players to embrace it is another. They are the true agents of change, not me. I can propose ideas and cultivate a culture, but we must all be on board. That has been my message from day one — from our logistics staff to our captain — we are aligned in pursuit of the same objective."

"It seems the players have embraced this, and they are relishing the experience. The atmosphere around the team hotel and in the common areas is filled with fun and energy. Yet, we must maintain our enjoyment while staying focused. There are still several weeks left in the tournament. We have played well, but we have not accomplished anything yet. There is still much to achieve as a team," he added.

Punjab Kings will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 at their home ground in Mullanpur on Thursday. The team aims to secure a direct place in the final with a victory in front of their home crowd. The losing team will have another opportunity to fight for the title in Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad on Sunday.