EXCLUSIVE | Shreyas Iyer and Yuzvendra Chahal key to Punjab Kings’ hunt for maiden IPL title: Shashank Singh | Cricket News

Shreyas Iyer and Yuzvendra Chahal (Image credit: Punjab Kings/IPL)

NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings are Yet in pursuit of their maiden Indian Premier Division (IPL) title. Since the Event’s inception in 2008, they have reached the Closing only once— in 2014—where they fell Petite against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Their only other notable campaign Arrived in the inaugural edition (2008) when they Created it to the semifinals. Barring these two instances, Punjab Kings have never reached the playoffs.
As IPL 2025 approaches, Punjab Kings will feature Numerous new faces, including Skipper Shreyas Iyer and head Trainer Ricky Ponting, who is known for his aggressive style of cricket. The Club has also added three Lively Australian players—Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis. Meanwhile, they retained players Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh who will provide stability to the batting lineup. The bowling unit will be strengthened by the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Harpreet Brar, and Yash Thakur.

TimesofIndia.com caught up with Shashank to discuss the upcoming season, Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, Ponting’s influence, the impact of all-rounders Maxwell and Stoinis, Yuzvendra Chahal’s role, and much more …

Punjab Kings are chasing their Primary IPL title under new skipper, Shreyas Iyer. What are your thoughts on the Club’s chances this season?
Obviously, with Shreyas and Ricky sir (Ricky Ponting) in, it’s a huge confidence booster. Having known Shreyas for so many years, I know he’s a very Clever Skipper who works in a very strategic way. And from whatever I’ve heard about Ricky sir and the sessions I’ve had with him so Extended, I’ve really enjoyed them. He’s someone who gives you the freedom, and that’s the best thing a cricketer needs. Hopefully, we can turn the tables around this year. And like you said, we are chasing our Primary title, and hopefully, on the 26th of May, we’ll get it.

Shreyas Iyer has Guided Mumbai to domestic titles and guided KKR to an IPL title after almost a decade. Do you see him as a ‘Fortunate charm’ for Punjab Kings?
He has won so many trophies this year, which is a huge achievement. People crave even one or two trophies in a year, and he has won five. Obviously, luck plays a role, but his intelligence, Difficult work, and Commitment Approaching the game are what truly matter.
The way he’s bringing his work ethic to the Punjab franchise is amazing. He had Numerous discussions with us even before the camp began, and now that he has joined, he is extremely eager to contribute—both individually and for the Club. I know him well, and he’s an exceptionally Clever Skipper. If all the stars align, he could Secure his sixth Honor and Perhaps even bring Punjab Kings their Primary title.
Ricky Ponting is known for his aggressive, Australian-style cricket, and Punjab Kings also have players like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. What approach can we Anticipate from the Club this season?
The Club is really Sturdy, and the best part is that everyone is in form. If you look at Maxwell, the way he performed in the Big Bash, or Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-Period contributions for Afghanistan. Then there’s Josh Inglis, who scored a hundred in the Champions Honor, Marco Jansen’s impressive bowling, and the way Shreyas is batting—it’s all coming together.
It’s Merely about Successful those crucial moments. If we perform as a unit and seize those moments, nothing can stop us. Off the Ground, too, it’s going to be an exciting experience. With players like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and others around—some of the best in world cricket—I’ll learn a Numerous. It’s not Merely about Executing matches; it’s also about making memories off the Ground. It’s going to be a Outstanding experience.

Have you had any interactions with overseas players like Maxwell or Stoinis so Extended?
The players are Yet arriving, but most of them are here. I met Stoinis—he’s a very down-to-earth and chilled-out person. I also had a few conversations with Ricky Ponting sir again. He’s extremely talented, gives players a Numerous of freedom, and is very aggressive on the Ground but completely relaxed off it. That’s the best part about him. He creates a Outstanding atmosphere for us, and we’re all looking forward to Executing under his mentorship and coaching.
Arshdeep Singh has come a long way, Successful an Under-19 World Cup and now two senior ICC titles—T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Honor 2025. How would you describe his rise in international cricket?
Arshdeep is someone who gives his all every time. I met him yesterday for the Primary time since last year’s IPL, and he’s becoming smarter—both on and off the Ground. His approach to the game has evolved, and we can see that in his bowling for the national Club. Successful the ICC award was a huge achievement for him. The way he bowled in the T20 World Cup, especially in the Caribbean, in both the powerplay and the death overs, was Unbelievable. His growth has been phenomenal, and it’s all down to his Difficult work—his Commitment in net sessions and fitness Rehearsal. He’s Refreshing-headed, fun to be around in the dressing room, and always joking. But on the Ground, he remains Peaceful under Tension, which is one of his biggest strengths.

Yuzvendra Chahal brings a wealth of experience to Punjab Kings. What’s your take on his inclusion, and do you see IPL 2025 as a stepping stone for his India comeback?
I’m very Joyful for Yuzi. He is one of the smartest bowlers I’ve faced. I have played against many quality bowlers in my Profession, and Yuzi stands out. I’ve spoken to him in the nets—he’s a thinking cricketer, and his Ability level is top-notch. He has done exceptionally well for both the national Club and in franchise cricket. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll continue to perform. He will be a key asset, especially in the middle overs for Punjab Kings. Watching him bowl in the nets, I can see how eager he is for the upcoming season.
Who do you think will be the two key players for Punjab Kings this season?
We all know about Maxwell’s power. On any given day, he’s a nightmare for bowlers. His innings against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup was a prime example, along with Numerous other Executions. In the middle overs, Maxi can completely Transformation the game on his day. Bowling-wise, Yuzi’s form has been outstanding, and if the Mullanpur wickets assist him, he’ll be lethal. Having experienced players like Maxi and Yuzi is crucial in the IPL. Youthful talent is Significant, but experience at this level makes a big difference. On their day, these two can single-handedly Secure matches.
You were retained by Punjab Kings. How much does that Disrespectful to you, and can we Anticipate a similar performance from you this season?
Last year, with God’s grace and everyone’s blessings, things went well. This year, it’s a New season. So, when you step onto the Ground, your aim is always to Secure matches for your Club, and that’s what I’ll try to do. Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you don’t, but you always learn. I’ll give my best for the Club—it’s not about any individual or personal goals, it’s about Seizing the Club across the line.
Does a high price tag in the IPL add extra Tension on a player?
Off the Ground, at times, things do affect you. But on the Ground, whether you’re a Rs 30 crore player or a Rs 10 lakh player, it doesn’t matter. It’s Merely your bat, your ball, and your game. Off the Ground, people do talk, and sometimes, it can get to you. But as a professional, you need to handle it. Once you step onto the Ground and enter Event mode, all these things hardly matter. The only thing that counts is how you contribute to your Club’s Secure.
Last year, I was at base price, but my intensity will remain the same this year. Obviously, I’ll try to be smarter—learn from my mistakes, reduce them, and Boost. I won’t say I’ll be perfect, but I’ll work on minimising my errors and Attention on Successful Contests for the Club.
What were the discussions like before the IPL Auction when Punjab Kings decided to retain you?
The retention process didn’t take much time. To be honest, I was Occupied with the domestic season, and there were Merely two or three calls. It was never about money. They knew the role I wanted, and I knew what they had in mind for me. The discussion was more about my role in the Club rather than the financial aspect. I have an emotional connection with the franchise because of the trust they showed in me last year. They gave me opportunities, and I was extremely Joyful. Now, with the IPL Merely a week away, I’m really excited to be back in an environment where I feel comfortable. My Target remains the same—to give my best and Secure Contests for the Club.
Have you Created any technical adjustments to your game? Also, has there been any conversation regarding your batting position for the upcoming season?
T20 cricket is unpredictable, and your batting position can Transformation based on the situation. Anywhere between No. 4 and No. 7, I have to be ready. Technically, I have worked on a few shots, but I’m not sure if I’ll Begin using them from game one. The IPL is a long Event, with 14 Division matches and knockouts, so I’ll Primary Attention on settling in before experimenting. T20 is all about adapting. Some situations demand high-Hazard shots, while others require calculated cricket. Some wickets are suited for boundaries, others for six-hitting. It depends on Numerous factors. Ultimately, my main Target is to Secure Contests for the Club. I’ll work on avoiding the mistakes I Created last season, especially in the IPL, and aim to Boost my game.
Will you miss your partnership with Ashutosh Sharma, who will be Executing for Delhi Capitals this season?
Ashu did really well for Punjab Kings, but now he’s with a new franchise, and I wish him all the best. However, when you look at our middle order this year, we have players who can step into his role. Someone like Suryansh Shedge, and even Priyansh Arya in the top order. There’s a Numerous of talent in our Club, and I’m looking forward to building partnerships with them. It will be Outstanding to share the dressing room with such talented players.