Robin Uthappa Predicts Shreyas Iyer Could Become India’s Next Captain if He Leads Punjab Kings to IPL Glory
Robin Uthappa Predicts Shreyas Iyer Could Become India’s Next Captain if He Leads Punjab Kings to IPL Glory
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa stated that if Shreyas Iyer successfully leads the Punjab Kings to their first IPL title, he is likely to become the next captain of the Indian cricket team.
Punjab acquired Iyer for an impressive Rs 26.75 crore during the first day of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Previously, he had been released by the Kolkata Knight Riders after a successful title-winning season.
Iyer had an outstanding season with Kolkata, guiding the team to nine victories in twelve matches and ultimately defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final to secure a championship after ten years. Expressing his excitement about joining Punjab, Iyer said he was “elated” and eager for the new challenge.
Uthappa, while speaking on JioCinema remarked, “He (Iyer) is transitioning from a championship-winning team to one that has yet to win a title. It will be an interesting challenge for him. If he can lead Punjab to victory, I have no doubt he will become the next Indian captain.”
Punjab has been the weakest team in IPL history, only making it to the playoffs twice in 17 seasons. Their most recent top-four finish was in IPL 2014 when they ended as runners-up under former Australian skipper George Bailey.
Ponting and Iyer teamed up as coach and captain at the Delhi Capitals from mid-2018 until IPL 2020. Ponting mentioned his enthusiasm to work with Shreyas again, praising him as a fantastic person and player. He believes Iyer will make a great leader for their team, especially since he was the winning captain last year.
After his stint with the Delhi Capitals from 2018 to IPL 2024, the ex-Australian skipper took on the role of head coach for Punjab.
