Indian middle-order batsman and Punjab Kings (PBSK) captain Shreyas Iyer is looking a completely different player in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). The way Shreyas Iyer is batting at the moment, it seems that everything is going in his and Punjab Kings’ favor.
The PBKS captain has carried his batting prowess brilliantly from IPL 2025 to this season. Iyer’s confidence, his body language and his control at the crease is making a big difference and is helping PBKS win matches in the ongoing tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin impressed by Shreyas Iyer’s dominance in IPL 2026
Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was impressed by Shreyas Iyer’s change. He told that it is not just about runs or big shots, but about the way one handles oneself on the field. Even before facing the ball, his presence gives a strong message to the opposition team.
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Ashwin feels Iyer is currently in that rare phase where everything is working perfectly, saying his timing, confidence and decision-making abilities are on point. The stats prove that Iyer has scored 50, 69* and 66 at an impressive rate of around 188 in his last three innings so far in IPL 2026.
The former Indian all-rounder also revealed that Iyer’s approach towards his weaknesses has changed this season. Earlier, there were questions about his ability against short-pitched bowling, but now, he is embracing that challenge instead of avoiding it.
Shreyas has set out on the journey of becoming a great player: Ashwin
And Ashwin lauded Shreyas Iyer for showing intent to improve his weakness and believes this mentality can make him a great player. He also told how the bowlers are also changing their plans against him. As he is handling the short balls better, he is trying different lines, but Iyer is adjusting quickly and finding ways to score, and has become even more dangerous.
“I personally think Shreyas has started the journey from good to great. And I’m not saying he’s great. I’m saying it’s a journey. It’s been said that he can’t play the short ball,” Ravichandran Ashwin was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.
He said, ‘Okay, I will bowl a short ball in a Test match and get out, but I am not shying away from the contest.’ Jasprit Bumrah is pulled in front of square for a six over midwicket. This is probably inspiring for many cricketers who watch the game.”
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The commentator said, “And then he is hitting the fast bowlers down the ground. He has always been very good at hitting them down the ground. But why is he doing that? Because people are not bowling short to him anymore. They know he is keeping it away. And it is sensational.”
Shreyas Iyer is getting stronger in the role of captaincy: Ashwin
Ashwin feels that Iyer has created a simple and friendly team environment, and then his batting form is elevating his captaincy as PBKS has been shining with strong results ever since he took over the reins.
The former off-spinner signed off by saying, “He is growing into the role of being a leader. And I think the way he is batting, he is growing into the role of a leader that the players are looking up to, which is a lethal combination.”
