Ahmedabad: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer admitted his side “fell short” in execution despite a spirited fight, following their narrow four-wicket defeat to Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026 on Sunday.
The loss marked PBKS’ second consecutive defeat, but Iyer maintained perspective, highlighting that the team still sits atop the points table with 13 points.
Early collapse and recovery effort
Punjab Kings endured a difficult start after being put in to bat, losing early wickets and slipping to 35/3 in the powerplay. The situation worsened as they were reduced to 47/5, with Gujarat’s bowlers exploiting the conditions effectively.
Despite the collapse, PBKS staged a commendable recovery through a counter-attacking 79-run partnership between Suryansh Shedge and Marcus Stoinis. Shedge scored a brisk 57 off 29 balls, while Stoinis contributed 40 off 31 deliveries, helping the team post 163/9.
Reflecting on the total, Iyer said it was competitive given the nature of the pitch. “I personally feel it was a great score on a wicket where the ball was doing a bit, especially with the new ball,” he noted.
Gujarat bowlers make the difference
Iyer credited Gujarat Titans’ bowlers for making optimal use of the surface. He pointed out their discipline in maintaining tight lines and lengths, which restricted scoring opportunities.
“The way they were hitting the deck and targeting the stumps didn’t give us much chance to free our arms,” he said, acknowledging the effectiveness of the opposition attack.
Bowling plans ‘didn’t work out’
While PBKS fought hard with the bat, Iyer conceded that their bowlers could not replicate the same level of execution, particularly with the new ball.
“With the new ball, we thought we would be able to hit our lines and pick early wickets, but that didn’t work out,” he admitted.
He further highlighted tactical shortcomings, noting that the bowlers failed to consistently hit the hard lengths required on a pitch offering variable bounce.
Challenging pitch conditions
Iyer described the surface as tricky, especially for strokeplay. According to him, shots like the pull and those targeting the midwicket region were difficult due to uneven bounce.
“It wasn’t an ideal wicket to bat on. The variable bounce made stroke-making challenging,” he explained, underlining the need for adaptability in such conditions.
Positives despite defeat
Despite the result, Iyer remained encouraged by the team’s attitude and resilience. He praised the players for fighting till the end and emphasised the importance of taking positives from the game.
“The way we fought back was phenomenal. The attitude and approach were excellent,” he said.
Looking ahead, Iyer expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and mindset, stressing the importance of staying grounded.
“We’re still on top of the table, which is what matters. We’ll take the positives and move forward,” he added.
Focus on improvement and consistency
The PBKS skipper also viewed such challenging matches as learning opportunities, particularly for the bowling unit. He believes playing on demanding pitches can help build confidence and sharpen skills.
He concluded with a message of patience and discipline, urging the team to stick to their basics and routines.
“If the attitude is right and the character is strong, results will follow. We just need to stay focused and not think too far ahead,” Iyer said.
Conclusion
While Punjab Kings will be disappointed with back-to-back losses, Iyer’s balanced assessment reflects a team focused on long-term consistency. With their position at the top of the table intact, PBKS will aim to fine-tune execution and bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches.
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