Former India batter Suresh Raina has showered praise on Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, describing him as a “fearless captain” ahead of Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.
Iyer has shaped PBKS’ campaign with a strong run of results so far. In IPL 2026, the captain has led the franchise in nine matches, winning six and losing two, while one fixture has ended with no result. Under his watch, PBKS have been competitive consistently, with Iyer also standing out among the tournament’s leading contributors with the bat.
With the bat in hand, Iyer has amassed 328 runs across eight innings at an average of 54.67, underlining the role he has played in steering the team’s batting performances.
How Iyer’s leadership has evolved across IPL franchises
Raina also pointed to Iyer’s track record of impactful captaincy across different teams and seasons. The former India cricketer noted that Iyer guided Delhi Capitals to the final in IPL 2020, led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024, and then took Punjab Kings to the championship match in IPL 2025.
Now, with IPL 2026 underway, PBKS appear on course to secure a spot in the final four, and Iyer’s leadership has been central to the franchise’s momentum.
Raina breaks down why he calls Iyer fearless
Speaking on JioStar, Raina characterised Iyer as a captain who combines fearlessness with influence, insisting that the leadership style Iyer brings changes the tone of whichever side he represents. Raina highlighted Iyer’s ability to communicate clearly, back his players with conviction, and project confidence through his body language.
Raina went a step further by drawing a comparison between Iyer and former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin. He suggested that Iyer’s blend of calm composure and bold decision-making creates belief within the group and encourages a more aggressive mindset during matches.
- Raina said that wherever Iyer has played and led, he has brought a different brand of cricket.
- He pointed out that Iyer has shown fearlessness as a captain and has often led from the front.
- Raina noted that Delhi and KKR both experienced major highs under Iyer, and even Punjab reached the final last year after an 11-year gap.
- He added that Iyer’s off-field communication appears to be especially strong, helping explain why he is considered a top captain.
- Raina said Iyer backs his players, and that when he moves with confidence, his body language reminds him of Azhar bhai.
- He recalled how, during Azharuddin’s captaincy, players around him carried a different level of trust and assurance.
- Raina concluded that while every captain has a distinct approach, Iyer offers both composure and decisive, bold calls.
- He finished by observing that when Punjab bat, they tend to play with an all-out attack, and he believes the same mentality shows up in their bowling as well.
Raina’s comments set the tone for PBKS’ clash with SRH, with Iyer’s captaincy and batting form both firmly in the spotlight as the teams meet in Hyderabad.
