Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, describing him as “unflappable” and applauding his calm leadership during high-pressure run chases in the Indian Premier League 2026 season.
Taking to X, Ashwin highlighted Iyer’s tactical awareness, ability to guide partners, and composure under pressure, calling his overall approach “Top Class.”
“At the moment, Shreyas Iyer looks unflappable. His ability to forecast a chase, guide his partner, staying unruffled amidst pressure and shot selection against a bowler he fancies at the right moment are attributes that not many cricketers can boast of at this point in time,” Ashwin wrote.
Ashwin further noted that while modern cricket boasts several explosive batters capable of entertaining audiences, very few possess Iyer’s blend of temperament, situational awareness, and controlled aggression.
“We have a plethora of batters who can excite with their shot-making ability but not many like Shreyas. Top Class,” he added.
PBKS Pull Off Record Chase Against SRH
Ashwin’s praise followed a memorable performance from Punjab Kings, who produced a stunning six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in a high-scoring contest at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
Punjab successfully chased down a daunting target of 220 runs, reaching 223/4 in 18.5 overs with seven balls to spare — one of the most remarkable chases of the season.
The victory also marked Punjab Kings’ 10th successful chase of a 200-plus target in IPL history, strengthening their reputation as one of the most dangerous chasing sides in the tournament.
SRH’s Explosive Start Led by Abhishek Sharma
Earlier in the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a powerful batting display after being put in to bat.
Openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head dominated the powerplay, putting together a blistering 120-run opening partnership.
Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a sensational 74 off just 28 balls, smashing eight sixes and five boundaries. He reached his half-century in only 18 deliveries, setting the tone for one of the most aggressive powerplays in IPL history.
Travis Head supported him effectively with a quick 38 off 23 balls, as SRH raced to 105/0 within the first six overs.
Despite losing both openers in quick succession to Shashank Singh, Sunrisers Hyderabad maintained momentum through the middle overs.
They reached:
- 132/2 at halfway (10 overs)
- 176/3 after 15 overs
However, regular wickets in the death overs slowed their progress. The dismissals of Ishan Kishan (27) and Heinrich Klaasen (39) prevented SRH from crossing the 230-run mark.
For Punjab Kings, Shashank Singh (2/20) and Arshdeep Singh (2/50) were among the standout performers, while Xavier Bartlett chipped in with one wicket.
PBKS Top Order Lays the Foundation
In response, Punjab Kings began their chase with fearless aggression.
Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh tore into the SRH bowling attack during the powerplay.
Priyansh Arya played a blazing innings of 57 off 20 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh scored a rapid 51 off 25 deliveries.
Their attacking partnership powered Punjab to:
- 93/0 in the powerplay
- 100 runs in just 6.3 overs
This explosive start ensured that Punjab remained ahead of the required run rate early in the chase.
Shreyas Iyer Anchors the Chase with Authority
Sunrisers Hyderabad briefly fought back when Shivang Kumar struck key blows, dismissing both openers and later Cooper Connolly.
However, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer stepped in to steady the innings.
Iyer played a commanding unbeaten knock of 69 off 33 balls, combining with Nehal Wadhera to rebuild momentum before accelerating decisively in the latter half.
His innings included:
- 5 fours
- 5 sixes
Maintaining control throughout the chase, Iyer ensured Punjab never fell behind the required rate. He eventually sealed the victory alongside Shashank Singh, guiding PBKS to a memorable finish.
For SRH, Shivang Kumar was the standout bowler with figures of 3/33, but the bowling unit struggled to contain Punjab’s aggressive batting, especially during the powerplay and death overs — phases that ultimately decided the contest.