Hardik Pandya on Wednesday publicly backed Shreyas Iyer as Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain following his move from Mumbai Indians (MI) to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 runner-up in a blockbuster trade ahead of the upcoming season.

“Sat Sri Akal, ਪੰਜਾਬ My Captain. Shreyas. My Coach. Ricky. My team. All of Punjab. I am standing behind you,” Pandya wrote in an Instagram post.

The India all-rounder’s message signals his support for not only Shreyas but also head coach Ricky Ponting as he prepares to begin a new chapter in the IPL.

READ: Hardik-Arshdeep trade: How Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians benefit from the IPL blockbuster

Pandya’s move from MI comes as part of a trade involving India pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has joined the five-time champion.

Pandya’s post also offers an early indication of his approach to his new team, placing himself behind Shreyas’ leadership rather than seeking to position himself at the forefront of the franchise’s plans.

Shreyas led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, establishing himself as a successful captain after previous leadership stints with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.

Pandya, meanwhile, arrives with considerable IPL experience, having captained Mumbai Indians and led Gujarat Titans to the title in 2022.

Published on Nov 11, 2026