The IPL title for 2026 remains the main goal of Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer after his team lost the 2025 final match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The team advanced to their second final match in history and reached their third playoff appearance in 2025 after they became the expected winners of the match but RCB proved to be their most dangerous opponent.
Iyer wants to transform his silver medal into a gold medal at this event because he wants to win all his upcoming competitions. The atmosphere contains great excitement according to Iyer but he wants to achieve his specific objectives.
Iyer expressed his plans for the upcoming season at the team’s official jersey launch event which took place on March 20. His statement that all matches require us to win demonstrates his dedication to success because the challenges ahead excite him. Iyer stated at the team’s official jersey launch event on March 20 his focus and ambition for the upcoming season through his statement that his main target for the season was to win the trophy.
Iyer reflected on his freak injury last year
The 28-year-old also reflected on the physical hurdles he overcame after a serious injury during India’s tour of Australia last October. Iyer needed surgery to treat his ruptured spleen which kept him out of action for more than two months. He lost seven kilograms during his recovery process yet he managed to restore his physical condition through exceptional determination.
“The process of returning from an injury always remains difficult. I had lost around seven kilos and it took a lot of effort to gain that weight back. But I love challenges. I am glad I overcame that part of my life, and I am back here proudly representing the team,” Iyer shared.
Iyer established himself as a dominant batsman during the previous cricket season. He achieved 604 runs through 50.33 batting average and 175.07 batting strike rate. His most valuable performance occurred during Qualifier 2 when he scored an unbeaten 87 to lead Punjab Kings to victory over Mumbai Indians. The team PBKS lost the championship match to RCB by six runs despite Iyer’s exceptional performance.
Punjab will start their IPL 2026 season through a home game against Gujarat Titans which takes place in New Chandigarh on March 31. Their next matches will take place against Chennai Super Kings on April 3 and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9 and Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11.
