IPL Auction 2025: Rift between Ricky Ponting & Shreyas Iyer? PBKS coach drops 'didn't answer my call' bombshell

Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting has all but confirmed that the title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, will be leading the Punjab-based franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) roped in Shreyas Iyer at the Indian Premier League 2025 mega auction on Sunday, November 24, for a whopping INR 26.75 crore.

Also Read: IPL Auction 2025: 'Mindless' RCB accused of 'playing with fans' emotions' after ignoring KL Rahul

Shreyas Iyer becomes the second most expensive player in IPL history

After being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders, Shreyas Iyer entered the auction and the IPL 2024 champions tried to re-acquire him.

KKR were engaged in an intense bidding war with Punjab Kings but as the amount reached INR 10 crore, the Knight Riders pulled out.

Then, Delhi Capitals joined the battle and they went all-out. DC and PBKS kept raising the bids and the INR 25 crore mark was breached in no time.

Even after that, PBKS kept going and eventually got Iyer for INR 26.75 crore. With this, he became the second most expensive player in IPL history, only behind Rishabh Pant, who was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27 crore.

So we've got someone there that can do the job - Ricky Ponting on Shreyas Iyer

Speaking to media at lunch break on Day 1 of the auction, the PBKS head coach Ponting said that he tried reaching out to Iyer via phone call but he didn't pick up. Ponting further said that they are delighted to rope in Shreyas Iyer and almost confirmed him as the new skipper of PBKS.

"I haven't spoken to him yet, Shreyas, about it. I tried to call him before, but he didn't answer his phone. So I mean, I've worked with him in the past. He's been a successful captain in IPL before. I've worked with him for three or four years at Delhi, and obviously, he's a championship-winning captain from last season. So we've got someone there that can do the job if that's the way we decide to go. So I'm delighted to have him back and to be working with him," Ponting said.

"He's come off a good score yesterday as well and get 130 off about 50 balls yesterday. So if he can do that for us in the IPL, I think we'll all be pretty happy," he added.

I haven't got him. I got the other one - Ricky Ponting on Rishabh Pant

There were reports of Punjab Kings targetting Rishabh Pant for captaincy ahead of the auction. However, they didn't bid for the wicketkeeper-batsman.

Talking about this move, Ponting said that they didn't go for Pant because they got Shreyas Iyer in the auction.

"I haven't got him. I got the other one," said Ponting as he smiled sheepishly. I mean Rishabh. Everyone knows what Rishabh can do. Everyone knows his value to the game. Everyone knows his value to a team. He's a dynamic player. He's got an infectious attitude. He loves the game. He's a winner. So they've done well to secure someone like that," he added.