Former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin lately praised Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer for his distinctive captaincy through the years. Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title in 2024, was surprisingly launched through the 2025 IPL mega public sale, a lot to the shock of Iyer and KKR followers. Regardless of profitable the championship, KKR selected to half methods with him, leaving many puzzled.
On this sudden choice, Shreyas Iyer didn’t publicly remark however moved on to the Punjab Kings as captain and a key batter. In his debut season with Punjab, he completed what many thought not possible: he guided the crew to the ultimate in opposition to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Though Punjab Kings fell simply wanting profitable the trophy, Iyer proved his price and demonstrated to KKR what they’d misplaced.
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Shreyas Iyer’s Large Affect on the Sport
Brad Haddin believes that Shreyas Iyer has a major affect over the sport, particularly within the shorter codecs. Since his IPL debut in 2015, Iyer has led three totally different groups to the finals: Delhi Capitals in 2020, KKR in 2024, and Punjab Kings in 2025.
Haddin additional praised Iyer for his management type, highlighting his take care of gamers. “Shreyas Iyer can affect a sport on the way in which he performs, tactically, he’s nearly as good a captain as I’ve seen in IPL. He’s taken 3 totally different groups to three totally different IPL Finals, however the factor I like most about working with Shreyas is his take care of his gamers,” Haddin mentioned on Cricbuzz.
Can Shreyas Iyer lead Punjab Kings throughout the End Line?
After taking Punjab Kings to the ultimate in IPL 2025 as a captain, all eyes are on Shreyas Iyer to see how he guides the crew in IPL 2026. Final season, underneath his management, Punjab Kings gained 9 out of 14 video games within the league stage, ending on the prime of the factors desk. Nonetheless, they fell quick within the closing in opposition to RCB.
Regardless of the loss, Iyer and the crew are decided to make a stronger push this season. Punjab has retained 21 gamers, specializing in an explosive batting core together with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, together with a strong tempo assault that includes Arshdeep Singh and Marcus Stoinis.
Key Strengths of Punjab Kings’ Squad
Punjab boasts a robust facet, particularly after their heroic efficiency final yr, the place a number of gamers emerged as match-winners. On the prime of the order, younger skills Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh present aggressive begins. Within the bowling division, skilled gamers Yuzvendra Chahal, and Harpreet Brar type a dependable assault.
Nonetheless, the center order seems to be barely inexperienced, with Shreyas Iyer being the one senior participant. Because the event progresses, the crew is predicted to search out options to strengthen this space.
Key Elements of the 2026 Punjab Kings Season:
Strengthened Squad: Coach Ricky Ponting believes the crew has no gaps and is stronger than final yr, particularly with additions like Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly.
Management and Core: Iyer leads a crew that retained the core squad that reached the 2025 closing.
Batting Energy: Openers Arya and Prabhsimran are anticipated to proceed their aggressive type, supported by a strong center order.
Bowling Energy: Arshdeep Singh stays the first dying bowler, with Chahal strengthening the spin division.
Key Additions: Cooper Connolly and pacer Ben Dwarshuis add depth and worldwide expertise, giving the crew “severe intent.”
Punjab Kings will play their opening match at the moment in opposition to the Gujarat Titans at their newly constructed dwelling floor in Punjab. Followers are desperate to see if Iyer can proceed his glorious management and information Punjab to IPL glory this season.
Additionally learn: Mohammed Shami hits again at Ravichandran Ashwin over LSG’s poor IPL 2026 prediction
