Shreyas Iyer’s Stellar IPL Journey with Punjab Kings
Since leaving the Kolkata Knight Riders after their championship win in 2024, Shreyas Iyer has been on fire in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With 604 runs for the Punjab Kings in 2025 and an impressive start to 2026, scoring 203 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 188, he’s constantly reminding KKR of their mistake in letting him go.
Iyer’s departure from KKR was not just about being let go; it was painful for him to see all the credit for the title go to Gautam Gambhir, who left for the Indian team right after that season. After many years, Iyer entered the IPL auction again and was picked up by Ricky Ponting’s Punjab Kings for a whopping ₹26.75 crore. Under a supportive environment, Shreyas thrived in 2025, amassing a remarkable 604 runs and playing a key role in bringing Punjab Kings to their first final in over ten years. Unfortunately, their title dream fell short.
The Tough Final Experience
In the tense final match of IPL 2025, Punjab fell short, unable to chase down a target of 191 runs, collapsing to a score of 94/8. This loss left a deep mark on the team, almost as if they were haunted by that final game.
Fast forward to IPL 2026, Shreyas Iyer has returned with a vengeance. Returning to the Indian T20I team as a backup for a struggling middle order, he was eager to prove his worth. However, this setback didn’t dampen his spirit. Punjab has made a strong comeback this season, winning four of their first five matches. The only match they didn’t win was washed out due to rain while they were dominating.
Players like Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have stepped up, but it’s Iyer’s calm leadership that has been pivotal for Punjab Kings this season. Remember that “191” from the previous season? It seems Punjab is determined not to let any chase slip away from them this time around.
Punjab Kings: The New Chase Champions
So far in IPL 2026, Punjab Kings have shown they can deliver under pressure. They had a shaky start against Gujarat Titans, but a young player, Cooper Connolly, helped the team reach 163 runs. The next game against Chennai Super Kings showcased their improvement, as they chased down a target of 210 runs in just 18.4 overs. Their performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad was even more impressive, where they chased down 220 runs in 18.5 overs.
Iyer is leading these chases remarkably. His performances have seen him score:
- 50 runs off 29 balls against CSK
- 69 runs off 33 balls against SRH
- 66 runs off 35 balls against MI
Shreyas Iyer Shines Against Mumbai Indians
This season, Iyer’s batting has drawn comparisons to the legendary Virat Kohli, a master of chasing. However, Iyer stands out with his bold shot-making and fearless demeanor on the field. In a recent match against the Mumbai Indians, he started with confidence, making a beautiful cover drive.
Despite some challenges, he took control of the innings and showcased his talent against bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Shardul Thakur, making them seem ordinary for a change. Though his innings ended with a stunning catch, Punjab had already secured a strong position in the chase.
After the match, Iyer expressed his optimism about the team’s performance. “The way we’ve been playing is phenomenal. Each game is important, and it’s a collective effort,” he said, full of confidence.
He also pointed out a standout moment when he saved a six with a fantastic relay catch to dismiss Quinton de Kock. Though this might not show up on the scorecard, it was a memorable highlight for the spectators.
Iyer concluded by appreciating the fans, saying, “It’s great to see the crowd supporting us in such large numbers.”
Despite not being in the Indian T20I team or captaincy discussions, Shreyas Iyer continues to prove that he is among the best in cricket. His recent performances and electric catches remind everyone that he is in the prime of his career. The decision by KKR to let him go might just be one they regret down the line.
