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

NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings are still in pursuit of their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Since the tournament’s inception in 2008, they have reached the final only once— in 2014—where they fell short against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Their only other notable campaign came in the inaugural edition (2008) when they made it to the semifinals. Barring these two instances, Punjab Kings have never reached the playoffs.
As IPL 2025 approaches, Punjab Kings will feature several new faces, including captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, who is known for his aggressive style of cricket. The team has also added three dynamic 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 first IPL title under new skipper, Shreyas Iyer. What are your thoughts on the team’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 smart captain 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 far, 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 first title, and hopefully, on the 26th of May, we’ll get it.

Shreyas Iyer has led Mumbai to domestic titles and guided KKR to an IPL title after almost a decade. Do you see him as a ‘lucky 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, hard work, and dedication towards the game are what truly matter.
The way he’s bringing his work ethic to the Punjab franchise is amazing. He had multiple 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 team. I know him well, and he’s an exceptionally smart captain. If all the stars align, he could win his sixth trophy and maybe even bring Punjab Kings their first 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 expect from the team this season?
The team is really strong, 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-round contributions for Afghanistan. Then there’s Josh Inglis, who scored a hundred in the Champions Trophy, Marco Jansen’s impressive bowling, and the way Shreyas is batting—it’s all coming together.
It’s just about winning those crucial moments. If we perform as a unit and seize those moments, nothing can stop us. Off the field, 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 lot. It’s not just about playing matches; it’s also about making memories off the field. It’s going to be a great experience.

Have you had any interactions with overseas players like Maxwell or Stoinis so far?
The players are still 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 lot of freedom, and is very aggressive on the field but completely relaxed off it. That’s the best part about him. He creates a great atmosphere for us, and we’re all looking forward to playing under his mentorship and coaching.
Arshdeep Singh has come a long way, winning an Under-19 World Cup and now two senior ICC titles—T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 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 first time since last year’s IPL, and he’s becoming smarter—both on and off the field. His approach to the game has evolved, and we can see that in his bowling for the national team. Winning 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 incredible. His growth has been phenomenal, and it’s all down to his hard work—his dedication in net sessions and fitness training. He’s cool-headed, fun to be around in the dressing room, and always joking. But on the field, he remains calm under pressure, 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 happy for Yuzi. He is one of the smartest bowlers I’ve faced. I have played against many quality bowlers in my career, and Yuzi stands out. I’ve spoken to him in the nets—he’s a thinking cricketer, and his skill level is top-notch. He has done exceptionally well for both the national team 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 several other performances. In the middle overs, Maxi can completely change 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. Young talent is important, but experience at this level makes a big difference. On their day, these two can single-handedly win matches.
You were retained by Punjab Kings. How much does that mean to you, and can we expect 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 fresh season. So, when you step onto the field, your aim is always to win matches for your team, 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 team—it’s not about any individual or personal goals, it’s about taking the team across the line.
Does a high price tag in the IPL add extra pressure on a player?
Off the field, at times, things do affect you. But on the field, whether you’re a Rs 30 crore player or a Rs 10 lakh player, it doesn’t matter. It’s just your bat, your ball, and your game. Off the field, people do talk, and sometimes, it can get to you. But as a professional, you need to handle it. Once you step onto the field and enter match mode, all these things hardly matter. The only thing that counts is how you contribute to your team’s victory.
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 improve. I won’t say I’ll be perfect, but I’ll work on minimising my errors and focus on winning games for the team.
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 busy with the domestic season, and there were just 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 team 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 happy. Now, with the IPL just a week away, I’m really excited to be back in an environment where I feel comfortable. My goal remains the same—to give my best and win games for the team.
Have you made 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 change 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 start using them from game one. The IPL is a long tournament, with 14 league matches and knockouts, so I’ll first focus on settling in before experimenting. T20 is all about adapting. Some situations demand high-risk shots, while others require calculated cricket. Some wickets are suited for boundaries, others for six-hitting. It depends on multiple factors. Ultimately, my main goal is to win games for the team. I’ll work on avoiding the mistakes I made last season, especially in the IPL, and aim to improve my game.
Will you miss your partnership with Ashutosh Sharma, who will be playing 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 lot of talent in our team, and I’m looking forward to building partnerships with them. It will be great to share the dressing room with such talented players.