Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer has underlined a simple message as the franchise targets IPL 2026 glory: focus on the moment, not the noise of the long term. With Iyer steering the group alongside head coach Ricky Ponting, PBKS have stood out this season by keeping their standards high match after match.
So far, they are the only unbeaten team in the competition, winning four of their five outings. One additional match was washed out by rain, leaving the side to pick up momentum where they left off. Iyer’s approach, he says, is built on mindset and repeatable execution rather than getting dragged into what comes next.
Quick facts
- PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer says the team’s focus is on staying in the present.
- The goal remains winning the IPL 2026 trophy, but the approach is game-by-game control.
- PBKS are unbeaten so far, with four wins from five matches.
- One match was abandoned due to rain.
- Most recent result: PBKS beat Mumbai Indians after a dominant all-round display.
Speaking to JioStar, Iyer stressed that staying mentally anchored helps players make better decisions in real time. “The mission is obviously to lift the trophy,” he said, adding that control comes from fully committing to what’s in front of you during each phase of the game. He also noted that there is no need to look too far ahead or linger on the past.
Iyer further explained that PBKS are working to improve internally rather than reacting to external pressure. He told his teammates that, when they step onto the field, the mindset should be about playing for themselves—not treating the opposition as the main target. “We just want to improve each day and make sure we put our best foot forward,” he said, describing how synergy builds when everyone buys into the same standards.
PBKS were close to silverware last year but were denied in the IPL 2025 final. They lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a narrow margin that has only sharpened their determination for this campaign. That experience, Iyer’s comments suggest, has been turned into motivation rather than lingering disappointment.
PBKS’ latest statement vs MI
In their most recent outing, Punjab Kings produced a strong all-round performance against Mumbai Indians. Mumbai batted first and put up 195/6, with Quinton de Kock smashing an unbeaten 112 off 60 balls. De Kock’s innings was backed by a 122-run stand with Naman Dhir, who struck a fast 50 to keep the scoreboard moving.
PBKS then tightened the contest through the bowling, led by Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm seamer delivered a match-turning spell, finishing with 3/22 from his four overs and claiming the Player of the Match award for his impact at key moments.
Chasing the target, Punjab Kings reached home comfortably in 16.3 overs, finishing on 198/3. Prabhsimran Singh top-scored with a brilliant unbeaten 80 off 39 balls, while Iyer provided the calm finishing touch, making 66 off 35 deliveries. After early setbacks, the pair built a decisive partnership that prevented any late wobble.
Even though Allah Ghazanfar picked up two wickets for MI, the bowling effort could not keep PBKS’ aggressive batting in check. With the innings running away at the right time, Punjab’s chase reflected the same present-focused mindset Iyer has been preaching—execute the plan, keep pressure on, and let results follow.
