For Shreyas Iyer, the journey to IPL 2026 hasn’t been a clean one. Whereas his teammates have been lifting the T20 World Cup trophy, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain was combating a really totally different battle – recovering from a spleen harm that saved him away from the sport for months.
It was a part that examined him each bodily and mentally. Identified for his aggressive batting and management, Iyer all of a sudden discovered himself off the sector, coping with restoration routines as an alternative of match conditions. The harm not solely dominated him out of India’s profitable World Cup marketing campaign but additionally pressured him into full relaxation at a time when he would have ideally been on the peak of his kind.
“I had misplaced round seven kilos”: Shreyas Iyer
Opening up about that interval, Iyer revealed simply how robust it was.
“I had misplaced round seven kilos and I needed to regain the muscle mass,” he stated.
The load loss was only one a part of the battle. Regaining energy, health, and confidence required months of disciplined rehabilitation on the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, beneath the steerage of VVS Laxman and the medical workers. Day by day was about small enhancements – getting stronger, regaining rhythm, and getting ready for a return to aggressive cricket.
“It was robust, however I’m grateful to the assist workers who helped me get again on my ft,” he added.
Regardless of the challenges, what made the part much more emotional was watching India win the T20 World Cup with out him. Whereas the victory introduced pleasure, it additionally got here with a way of private disappointment.
“It was fantastic to see the boys win, however there was that tinge of disappointment that I couldn’t be a part of it. That feeling is now driving me within the IPL,” Iyer admitted.
That blend of delight and remorse has now become motivation – a gas that he hopes will push him and his crew in direction of IPL glory.
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Iyer eyes on IPL 2026: Management, redemption and a title push
Now totally match and again in motion, Iyer is able to lead Punjab Kings into what might be a defining season for each him and the franchise. After coming agonizingly near successful the title in IPL 2025, the place they completed runners-up, the crew is decided to go one step additional this yr.
For Iyer, this isn’t simply one other season – it’s a chance for redemption.
Having already rejoined the squad, he has thrown himself into preparations with full depth. From lengthy internet periods to rebuilding match health, the main focus has been on getting again into the groove as rapidly as attainable.
“The preparations have been intense. I’ve been batting within the nets, getting used to the rhythm once more. The physique is responding nicely, and I’m assured of enjoying the complete season,” he stated.
His return is a large enhance for Punjab Kings, not simply due to his batting capacity but additionally because of the management stability he brings. The franchise has proven religion in him, and now he has the prospect to repay that belief on the sector.
Iyer additionally expressed confidence within the crew’s total stability, highlighting the combo of expertise and firepower inside the squad.
“We have now firepower on the prime, depth within the center, and a bowling assault that may defend any complete. It’s a bunch that believes we are able to win it this yr,” he acknowledged.
Punjab Kings will kick off their IPL 2026 marketing campaign towards Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) on March 30 in Guwahati – a high-pressure begin towards one of the profitable groups within the match’s historical past. For Iyer, it’s the right stage to mark his return.
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