Punjab Kings, formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, is an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise that has been competing since 2008. Based in Mohali, Punjab, the team has seen varied success over the years but has remained a prominent fixture in the league. Known for their aggressive and attacking style of play, the franchise has always boasted a mix of international stars and homegrown talent.
Despite reaching the final once, in 2014, and finishing among the top teams several times, they have yet to secure their first IPL title. The team has tried many captains over the years, with each bringing their own leadership style and vision. From Yuvraj Singh in the early years to the likes of Adam Gilchrist, David Miller, and Sam Curran, the Punjab Kings have experimented with various captains in an attempt to find the right balance.
Despite these changes, consistency in leadership has been one of the challenges faced by the franchise. Over time, different captains have had their moments of brilliance, but the team has struggled to maintain that winning formula consistently. The management continues to search for the ideal leader to guide them to their first IPL title.
In the 2025 IPL mega auction, the team management bought Shreyas Iyer for a record-breaking price of Rs. 26.75 crore, making him one of the most expensive buys in the history of the tournament. Iyer, known for his solid batting technique and excellent leadership abilities, was a coveted player, with several teams vying for his services. His acquisition by the Punjab Kings was seen as a statement move by the franchise, aiming to strengthen their middle order and add stability to the team.
With his ability to anchor innings and play match-winning knocks, Iyer is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s quest for their first IPL title. The price tag reflects his growing stature in Indian cricket and the immense value he brings to the franchise, both as a player and a potential future captain.
17 players to have led Punjab Kings/Kings XI Punjab in IPL
1: Yuvraj Singh
2: Kumar Sangakkara
3: Mahela Jayawardene
4: Adam Gilchrist
5: David Hussey
6: Geore Bailey
7: Virender Sehwag
8: David Miller
9: Murali Vijay
10: Glenn Maxwell
11: Ravichandran Ashwin
12: KL Rahul
13: Mayank Agarwal
14: Shikhar Dhawan
15: Sam Curran
16: Jitesh Sharma
17: Shreyas Iyer
