Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lavished praise on Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, arguing that the right-hander has transformed into a leader players genuinely trust over the last couple of years. Ashwin credits Iyer’s steady improvement with the bat, along with the way he conducts himself as skipper, for the momentum Punjab have built.
Iyer’s rise as a trusted captain
- Ashwin believes Iyer’s biggest contribution as captain is the atmosphere he has created around the group—one where conversations feel natural and supportive rather than hierarchical.
- He points to Iyer’s growth not only as a batter but also as someone the dressing room looks up to, helped by reliable performances under pressure.
- Ashwin highlights that Iyer’s influence became especially visible last season, when Punjab Kings reached their first IPL final in 11 years.
- That breakthrough run was boosted by Iyer’s defining knock of 87 not out off 41 balls against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, a chase that kept Punjab on track for the big moment.
- Ashwin notes that the result delivered Punjab’s first-ever successful 200-plus chase against Mumbai in IPL history.
Building on that springboard, Iyer has carried the same intensity into the current IPL season. Punjab Kings have won four of their five matches so far, with one game washed out, and they sit top of the IPL 2026 points table.
Runs, strike rate and the leadership impact
Ashwin also linked Iyer’s captaincy to his batting rhythm. In the present campaign, the right-hander has amassed 203 runs in five matches, striking at 187.96. His recent form includes innings of 50, 69 not out and 66 across his last three knocks.
According to Ashwin, Iyer’s growing reputation at the crease is beginning to weigh on opposing bowlers. He suggested that simply being set creates fear, and that Iyer’s drive to keep improving is a major reason behind that effect.
Ashwin praised Iyer’s willingness to work on areas where he might be weaker, saying that many players stick to what they already do well, while Iyer has shown a sharper appetite to develop further.
“Brotherhood” culture inside the Punjab set-up
On Iyer’s leadership style, Ashwin described how the skipper makes the team feel comfortable speaking freely and operating as a close unit. He said the captain encourages a brotherly, simple way of engaging—similar to how friends or teammates communicate in everyday settings—which helps players feel at ease both on and off the field.
In Ashwin’s view, that atmosphere, combined with Iyer’s batting acceleration, forms a “lethal combination” that not only strengthens the team’s unity but also supports consistent execution during matches.
