Shreyas Iyer, who had an eventful 2024 despite controversies surrounding his exclusion from the BCCI central contract due to perceived lack of commitment to red-ball cricket, made headlines as Punjab Kings (PBKS) signed him for an astounding ₹26.75 crores ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This historic deal briefly made him the league’s most expensive player until Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired Rishabh Pant for ₹27 crores.
Iyer’s Reaction to the Massive Bid
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, the PBKS captain admitted that he was stunned by the franchise’s decision to invest such a large sum in him. Reflecting on the moment, Iyer shared his disbelief and described how he tried to distance himself from the intense bidding process.
“I was completely taken aback. While I anticipated a substantial bid, the final amount far exceeded my expectations. Once the numbers started climbing, I couldn’t watch anymore. I stuffed cotton in my ears and left the room. I even went to the washroom to distract myself. At that time, I was in Hyderabad, playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” Iyer recounted.
A Stellar Year Leading to the Record Bid
Iyer’s record-breaking deal comes as no surprise, given his exceptional achievements in 2024. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their first IPL title in over a decade, marking the team’s third championship overall. He also led Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, cementing his reputation as a successful leader.
In the 2024 T20 season, Iyer scored 696 runs in 22 innings at an impressive average of 43.50 and a strike rate of 164.92. His performances included one century and three half-centuries, with a top score of an unbeaten 130. Beyond T20s, he delivered across formats, amassing 1,841 runs in 44 matches with an average of 43.83. This included four centuries and seven fifties, with a career-best score of 233.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2025
As the newly appointed skipper of Punjab Kings, Iyer will look to justify the franchise’s massive investment in him. With his proven track record in leadership and batting, PBKS fans will be optimistic about their chances in the upcoming season. Despite the challenges of last year, including a brief rough patch in Tests and ODIs, Iyer’s remarkable consistency and resilience have positioned him as one of the most sought-after players in world cricket.
For Iyer, the sky-high bid is not just a validation of his skills but also a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver match-winning performances.
