Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer is continuing to strengthen his reputation as both a leader and a top-order batter, with performances that are drawing attention beyond franchise cricket. After steering Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024, Iyer took charge of PBKS and helped them reach the playoffs and an IPL final in 2025, ending an 11-year wait for the franchise. This season, Punjab have started with two wins, underscoring the team’s balance and overall strength under his direction. Yet, despite steady displays in the IPL and domestic circuit, Iyer’s future in India’s T20I plans is still under a cloud.
Leadership glow-up and international uncertainty
The 31-year-old was left out of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, a decision that has sparked fresh debate about his role in the shortest format at the international level. While his franchise impact has been growing, the question now is how long that momentum will translate into opportunities with the national team.
Punjab Kings pacer Vyshak Vijaykumar, meanwhile, has been effusive about Iyer’s captaincy traits and believes the skipper’s influence could extend to India’s T20I set-up as well. In a virtual interaction, Vyshak highlighted Iyer’s backing for bowlers and players, stressing how crucial that support is for performers in pressure situations.
“I think he’s someone who has always backed his bowlers and players. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been doing well or not, that is something very important for a bowler. He’s done exceptionally well in this format and has been playing for India. I’m sure he’ll be the Indian captain soon,” Vyshak said during the media interaction.
Vyshak’s form and the plans behind his wickets
Vyshak’s own numbers this season have backed up his confidence. He has taken five wickets in two matches for PBKS, moving beyond the four wickets he had collected across the previous year. His wicket-taking approach has leaned heavily on wide yorkers and slower bouncers, deliveries that have helped him trouble batters against Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings.
With the team set to face Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Vyshak also described the mindset that has helped him become one of Punjab’s more dependable pace options in an era where 200-plus totals have started to feel almost routine.
- Vyshak said his process begins with how he assesses his own rhythm and confidence before starting his spell.
- He stressed that when he is confident about his execution, that is when he is most likely to land his yorkers consistently.
- He added that his target is not shaped by the batter at the crease, but by sticking to the plan and winning the matchup through his skill set.
- He noted that even if a ball is hit for runs, including a boundary or a six, the important part is judging it as a good shot and immediately moving on to the next delivery.
- He concluded that the key is to return to the run-up and repeat the same delivery type, maintaining the pressure with the next ball.
(With IANS inputs)
