From Shreyas to Sarpanch, the title “Sarpanch” Shreyas Iyer got since he joined Punjab Kings team is pure love and emotion from Punjab’s people and Punjab Kings’ fans. Some players earn fans through stats, some through specific style of game, for Iyer, nickname born from affection and pride, captures exactly what Iyer has become in 2025 — a grounded leader who speaks softly but commands attention everywhere he goes.
The Early Promise
Shreyas Iyer’s story started like most modern Indian cricket tales — a youngster with flair, confidence, and shots that looked tailor-made for white-ball cricket. From his debut days with India in limited-overs formats which he made in 2017, he always had the makings of a middle-order stabilizer who could finish games. He made a test debut in 2021.
When Iyer broke into the Indian T20 and ODI sides, he was seen as the bridge between aggression and composure. His technique against spin and his game awareness soon earned him a permanent place in India’s middle order. Shreyas used to be and still is very good player of spin bowling. Even in the present Indian team, if you listen to experts, Iyer is best batsman of spin bowling. He had some issues with short ball against fast bowling, that cost him the spot in Indian team, which was unfair as he was scoring runs as well.
Captaincy: The Delhi Capital Days
The leadership spark in Iyer first truly surfaced when Delhi Capitals handed him the captaincy. It was a move that changed perceptions — from promising batsman to potential long-term leader. He didn’t just handle pressure; he thrived under it. Under Iyer, Delhi looked structured, purposeful, and less emotional — a reflection of his own personality.
He turned a team of stars into a disciplined unit, taking them to playoffs and finals, proving that tactical clarity matters as much as flair in T20 cricket. Unfortunately, they failed to win the IPL trophy.
But again, he was not retained by Delhi Capitals due to some issues or communication gap with the Franchise.
The Comeback and the KKR Crown
But leadership is never a straight road. Injuries, form slumps, and selection uncertainty tested him harder than any bowler could. KKR bought the Shreyas Iyer for IPL season 2022 after Delhi released him. His move to Kolkata Knight Riders was the start of a new chapter — one that reminded fans of his resilience. He named as a Captain of Kolkata Knight Riders team.
Guiding KKR to an IPL trophy was perhaps the perfect symbol of his comeback — calm, calculated, and quietly commanding from behind. It wasn’t just about winning a title; it was about earning back respect. Happiness for the KKR fans and for the Franchise it was another title, but Shreyas left the KKR as well or was not retained by the franchise. Many critics, people, and experts says the reason for leaving the KKR was not giving full credit to Captain. Who took the credit, who didn’t recognize Iyer, this article is not about that, this is about phenomenal Iyer.
Back in Blue: World Cup and Champions Trophy
After rediscovering himself in franchise cricket, worked on his short ball weakness, Iyer carried that maturity into national duty. The World Cup and Champions Trophy campaigns saw him evolve — no longer just a dependable number four, but a senior figure in the batting lineup. He brought stability when chaos threatened. All the innings he played in World Cup 2023 and Champions Trophy 2025 was match winning and impactful for the Indian team.
Even when he wasn’t the one scoring the big hundreds, his intent and consistency reflected a man who had found balance between responsibility and flair. The cricket world noticed — Iyer wasn’t trying to prove himself anymore. He belonged.
Iyer was dropped from Test team and T20 team, however in his last t20 game he scored 53(37) runs.
From Shreyas to Sarpanch in 2025: The Sarpanch Era in Punjab
Then came 2025 — and Punjab. A state known for emotion and energy. The Franchise finally found a leader who gave them direction. Shreyas Iyer didn’t just lead with strategies; he led with serenity. His style connected instantly with the Punjabi crowd — disciplined yet warm, modern yet rooted. Soon enough, fans affectionately began calling him “Sarpanch.” Sarpanch is usually called the elected Chief of the village in Punjab and in many other Indian states.
Under his captaincy, Punjab Kings looked reborn. The batting order had purpose, the bowling had clarity, and the dressing room had calm. The nickname “Sarpanch” became more than a meme — it became a movement. Social media buzzed with “Sarpanch Saab” memes. For the first time in years, Punjab Kings looked like a team that believed again. Punjab Kings finished at number 1 on the points table in IPL 2025, but unfortunately they lost the final to RCB.
Even, Punjab Kings lost the final, but fans got emotionally connected with Shreyas Iyer or with what they call “Sarpanch Saab“.
That’s why I wrote at the beginning, Sarpanch title reflects the pure love and emotion of Punjab Kings fans and Punjabi people.
Final Thoughts
“From Shreyas to Sarpanch” isn’t just a nickname story — it’s a leadership and emotional connection story. People, fans, franchise, ex-cricketers everyone loved and supported Sarpanch Saab.
Shreyas Iyer’s journey isn’t about proving doubters wrong anymore. It’s about showing how consistency, class, and composure can create a legacy — one that extends far beyond the scoreboard.
If Delhi made him a captain and Kolkata made him a champion, then Punjab made him a Sarpanch.
Please leave your thoughts, if you love the way Shreyas becomes Sarpanch.
