Shreyas Iyer is set to lead the Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, kicking off their campaign against the Gujarat Titans on March 31 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
After a challenging recovery from a spleen injury, Iyer is eager to bring home the IPL trophy. “Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy,” he stated.
Iyer, who lost around seven kilograms during his recovery, has made a strong comeback, having returned to the field in January during the Vijay Hazare Trophy as captain of Mumbai. He scored 45 against Punjab and 82 against Himachal Pradesh, showcasing his readiness for the upcoming season.
The Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up in IPL 2025, retained 21 players from that successful squad. They also made a strategic acquisition in the mini-auction, securing Cooper Connolly for INR 3 crore. Connolly is expected to bat at number three for the team.
“This is the period where we live as a family for two months,” Iyer added, emphasizing the team’s camaraderie as they prepare for the tournament.
In the 2025 season, the Punjab Kings demonstrated resilience, and with Iyer at the helm, they aim to build on that momentum. The team is looking to capitalize on their previous success and push for the championship.
As the IPL season approaches, excitement is building among fans, who affectionately refer to Iyer as ‘Sarpanch Sahab’. His leadership will be crucial as the Kings face off against formidable opponents.
Arshdeep Singh, a key player for the Kings, remarked, “When you feel the pressure, it is a privilege,” highlighting the competitive spirit within the team.
With the IPL 2026 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer and the Punjab Kings as they seek to turn their aspirations into reality. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the squad.
