The IPL Auction 2025 made headlines with its high-profile bids, but one of the most talked-about decisions was Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) choice to skip bidding for Rishabh Pant, who went on to be sold for a whopping ₹27 crore. Instead, PBKS secured Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore, making him the second-highest-paid player in IPL history. But what led to this surprising decision? Let’s dive deeper into why the Punjab franchise passed on Pant and opted for Iyer.
Punjab Kings’ Strategy: Shreyas Iyer Over Rishabh Pant
Punjab Kings entered the 2025 IPL Auction with the largest purse of ₹110.5 crore, signaling their intent to make a big splash. As expected, they went all-in for top-tier talent, and their major focus was on bolstering their middle-order batting. This led to a heated bidding war with Delhi Capitals for Shreyas Iyer, which ultimately saw PBKS secure him for a record ₹26.75 crore.
However, this large investment in Iyer meant that PBKS was forced to make tough decisions when it came to other players, including Rishabh Pant. Although Pant is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and impactful players in T20 cricket, PBKS chose not to enter the bidding for him when his name came up. Instead, they allowed other franchises to pursue him.
Ricky Ponting’s Insight: Why PBKS Didn’t Go for Rishabh Pant
Ricky Ponting, head coach of PBKS, shared his thoughts on the decision not to bid for Rishabh Pant, despite the player’s undeniable talent. According to Ponting, the team had already committed a substantial amount to Iyer, and entering a bidding war for Pant would not have been a prudent move.
Ponting acknowledged Pant’s value to any team, saying, “I mean, everyone knows what Rishabh can do, his value to the game, his value to the team. He is a dynamic player, has an infectious attitude and is a winner.” However, he made it clear that after securing Iyer, the franchise wasn’t interested in getting into a bidding battle for Pant, especially with the already significant financial commitment to Iyer.
Shreyas Iyer’s Impact and the Decision to Prioritize Him
Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion in the Punjab Kings squad is not just a financial commitment but a strategic one. Iyer has consistently been one of the top performers in the IPL, and his leadership qualities were evident during his time with Delhi Capitals, where he led them to the IPL 2020 final. Iyer’s aggressive style of play and his ability to anchor innings while also playing big shots made him a top choice for PBKS.
Ponting, who has previously worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals, expressed his excitement about reuniting with the player. “I’m thrilled to have him back and to be working with him again,” Ponting said. He also mentioned Iyer’s recent form, citing his stunning 130 runs off just 50 balls in a recent match. Ponting emphasized that if Iyer could replicate this form in the IPL, it would be a massive boost for PBKS.
Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 Crore Deal: Why Other Teams Were Interested
Although PBKS chose not to bid for Rishabh Pant, there was no shortage of suitors for the explosive wicketkeeper-batter. Pant, known for his game-changing abilities, was eventually picked up for ₹27 crore, a testament to his massive influence in T20 cricket. Pant’s ability to accelerate the game, particularly in the middle overs, makes him one of the most sought-after players in the format.
His fearless attitude and match-winning performances have earned him a reputation as one of the best finishers in world cricket, and other franchises were quick to snap him up, knowing the value he could bring to their team.
Punjab Kings’ Balanced Approach: Team Composition and Future Plans
The decision to prioritize Shreyas Iyer over Rishabh Pant highlights Punjab Kings’ focus on building a balanced squad. By securing Iyer, PBKS now has a solid middle-order anchor who can provide stability while also playing aggressive shots when needed. With the IPL’s fast-paced nature, having a player who can adjust to different match situations is crucial, and Iyer’s all-round consistency made him a better fit for PBKS.
Additionally, the franchise has invested in a diverse squad, with a mix of seasoned players and young talent, which could prove to be the key to their IPL 2025 success. The combination of power hitters and experienced campaigners like Iyer ensures that PBKS can adapt to varying conditions and opposition strategies throughout the season.
Final Thoughts: Was It the Right Move for Punjab Kings?
While Rishabh Pant’s exclusion from PBKS’s bid might have surprised some, the team’s decision to secure Shreyas Iyer instead seems to be a carefully calculated one. With the IPL 2025 season just around the corner, it will be interesting to see how Iyer fits into the PBKS lineup and whether his presence can help propel the franchise to its first IPL title.
Ricky Ponting’s endorsement of Iyer and his excitement about working with him again indicate that PBKS is confident about its strategy. While Pant remains a formidable force in the T20 format, Punjab Kings’ decision to invest heavily in Shreyas Iyer could well prove to be the game-changer they need to achieve IPL glory.
Conclusion: A Strategic Choice for Punjab Kings
Ultimately, the choice of Shreyas Iyer over Rishabh Pant at the IPL Auction 2025 reflects Punjab Kings’ broader strategic vision for the season. With a strong core of experienced players, a dynamic captain in Iyer, and the backing of a sharp coaching team led by Ricky Ponting, PBKS will be looking to make a deep run in IPL 2025. Only time will tell if this bold decision will pay off, but the foundations for a strong, balanced team are certainly in place.
