Irfan Pathan has backed Shreyas Iyer to replicate his impressive performances from last season and play a key role for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.
The former all-rounder believes that Iyer’s leadership skills, composure and consistency have made him one of the most formidable candidates in the T20 format.
Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a crucial figure with the bat, scoring when required the most during the IPL 2025 season.
His ability to handle pressure in the middle order proves to be an asset for Punjab Kings ahead of the new campaign.
Irfan Pathan said that if Shreyas Iyer maintains his same form and mindset, he could once again be among the standout performers in the IPL 2026 season.
With a balanced PBKS 2026 squad and renewed expectations, the team will look to build around their key players.
Speaking on JioStar Irfan Pathan said, ““I’m not sure that Shreyas Iyer would be thinking of using the IPL as a stage to prove himself for a comeback into the T20I side.”
“Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer. He’s done really well in T20 cricket for Punjab Kings, yes, a different franchise, and he’s done really well for Team India as well,” Pathan added.
“He’s a very important player in one-day cricket as far as the Indian team is concerned. I think there is a place for him in the T20 setup for Team India and he’s aware of that,” said Irfan Pathan.
The former cricketer recalled Shreyas Iyer’s memorable performance against Mumbai Indians in the previous season’s playoffs saying, “That qualifier knock against Mumbai, I still remember that shot against Bumrah, gliding that yorker down towards third man with so much time. He has improved leaps and bounds. I’m really excited to see if he can replicate the same performance this season as well. I’m confident he will.”
With only less than two weeks ahead of the start of the IPL 2026 season, Punjab Kings has started their pre-camp preparations and will be aiming for a title run in the tournament.
As per the IPL 2026 schedule, Punjab Kings will play their opener match against Gujarat Titans on March 31 at PCA New Cricket StadiumNew Chandigarh.
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