Shreyas Iyer set a new record on Sunday by becoming the first captain in IPL history to lead three different franchises to playoff qualification, as Punjab Kings secured their spot in the 2025 IPL playoffs for the first time in 11 years. After missing the 2023 season due to a back injury, Iyer made a remarkable comeback by captaining Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title, ending their consecutive seventh-place finishes in the prior two seasons. Despite this success, KKR released him before the mega auction in October, where Punjab Kings acquired him for a hefty INR 26.75 crore. Iyer quickly justified the investment by delivering the long-awaited playoff spot for PBKS.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Iyer’s leadership, criticizing the lack of recognition he received after KKR’s title win and challenging the narrative that credited mentor Gautam Gambhir instead. Gavaskar emphasized the pivotal role of the captain on the field over those off the pitch, noting that Iyer is finally getting deserved acknowledgment this season.

Iyer’s strong form continued nationally, coming off a stellar Champions Trophy performance as India’s top run-scorer with 405 runs in 11 innings at an average of 50.62, earning him the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March. In the IPL, he amassed 435 runs in 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 174.70, including four fifties, while leading Punjab to their first playoff appearance since their 2014 final. PBKS clinched the spot after beating Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs and benefiting from Gujarat Titans’ win over Delhi Capitals.