Shreyas Iyer’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testament to his adaptability, leadership, and consistent performance across various franchises. From his debut in 2015 to captaining Punjab Kings in the 2025 season, Iyer has left an indelible mark on the tournament.
Shreyas Iyer IPL Career Overview
Debut & Early Years (2015–2021): Delhi Capitals
Shreyas Iyer made his IPL debut in 2015 with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), showcasing his potential with a solid batting technique. In his debut season, he scored 436 runs, earning the Emerging Player of the Year award. Over the next few years, Iyer’s consistency with the bat made him a mainstay in the Delhi lineup. In 2018, at 23 years old, he became the youngest player to captain an IPL team, replacing Gautam Gambhir mid-season. Under his leadership, Delhi reached the IPL final in 2020, although they were defeated by Mumbai Indians.
Transition to Kolkata Knight Riders (2022–2024)
In 2022, Iyer moved to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), continuing his role as captain. His tenure saw mixed results, but he remained a reliable middle-order batsman. In 2024, during a match against Delhi Capitals, Iyer achieved a significant milestone by completing 3,000 IPL runs, becoming the fifth-fastest player to reach this mark in terms of innings played.
Leadership at Punjab Kings (2025–Present)
In 2025, Iyer was bought by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Punjab to their first IPL final since 2014. Notably, in the second Qualifier against Mumbai Indians, Iyer played a match-winning innings of 87* off 41 balls, leading Punjab to a five-wicket victory and securing their place in the final.
Shreyas Iyer IPL Career Stats (as of 2025)
- Matches Played: 132
- Runs Scored: 3,730
- Batting Average: 34.53
- Strike Rate: 133.40
- Fifties: 27
- Highest Score: 97*
- Fours: 314
- Sixes: 152
Iyer’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed has made him a valuable asset in the IPL.
Shreyas Iyer IPL Captaincy Milestones
- Total Matches as Captain: 86
- Matches Won: 50
- Win Percentage: 59.52%
Iyer is one of the few players to have captained multiple franchises in the IPL, leading both Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders to the finals. In 2025, he became the fifth captain in IPL history to secure 50 wins, underscoring his leadership credentials.
Notable Achievements
- Fastest Fifty: 29 balls
- Match-winning Knock in Qualifier 2 (2025): 87* off 41 balls against Mumbai Indians
- Captaincy Record: First player to lead three different franchises to the IPL final.
IPL 2025 Season Highlights
In the 2025 season, Iyer has been in stellar form. He has scored 603 runs in 16 matches, including six half-centuries. His aggressive batting has been a key factor in Punjab’s success.
Looking Ahead
As of June 3, 2025, Shreyas Iyer is preparing to lead Punjab Kings in their quest for their maiden IPL title. With his experience, form, and leadership, Iyer is poised to add another chapter to his illustrious IPL career.