Shreyas Iyer, captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS), has set his sights on going one step additional within the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after final yr’s runners-up end. The India ODI vice-captain, who guided PBKS to solely their second closing and third playoff look, mentioned he’s embracing each the problem and expectations surrounding the staff.
Iyer additionally opened up a few tough part in his profession, revealing he misplaced seven kilograms after struggling a ruptured spleen throughout India’s tour of Australia final October. Following surgical procedure and a restoration interval of over two months, he made his return for Mumbai within the Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier than that includes within the ODI collection towards New Zealand nationwide cricket staff in January.
“Expectations are excessive, which is enjoyable. I really like the problem. However the essential factor is that at any time when we step in, we have now to win. My eye is on the trophy,” Shreyas mentioned on the staff’s official jersey launch occasion as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“It’s at all times difficult to return again after an damage. I had misplaced round seven kilos and it took plenty of effort to realize that weight again. However I really like challenges. I’m glad I overcame that a part of my life, and I’m again right here proudly representing the staff,” he mentioned.
PBKS fell brief by six runs towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) within the closing of the IPL 2025 in Ahmedabad. Iyer loved a standout marketing campaign, scoring 604 runs at a mean of fifty.33 and a strike fee of 175.07. His unbeaten 87 towards Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 was a spotlight. PBKS will start their IPL 2026 marketing campaign with a house conflict towards Gujarat Titans (GT) in New Chandigarh on March 31.
Arshdeep Singh echoed his captain’s confidence, emphasising the significance of sturdy dwelling assist in Mullanpur for PBKS. Reflecting on his journey, the left-arm pacer credited the franchise’s administration for exhibiting religion in him early in his profession, which performed a key function in his improvement into a daily member of India.
“If you really feel the stress, it’s a privilege. It’s plenty of enjoyable while you get a lot assist from the gang. When folks cheer for you, you’re feeling that 30,000 persons are working in with you at the moment. We’ll strive our greatest to win all our dwelling matches this yr,” Arshdeep mentioned as quoted by Financial Occasions.
“The journey has been superb. After I got here right here for the primary time, they gave me full assist and confirmed me my potential. They trusted me so much when no different staff did. I actually respect that, and I wish to keep right here for a very long time. I’m trying ahead to profitable plenty of trophies for the staff,” he added.
