#shreyas_iyer

Punjab Kings' Shreyas Iyer Justifies Record Auction Bid with Heroic 71 Against Delhi Capitals Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer delivered a standout performance in the IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals, helping his team achieve a historic 265-run victory. The innings, which included an unbeaten 71 from Iyer, was hailed by head coach Ricky Ponting as a testament to the player’s leadership and skill. Ponting praised Iyer’s ability to chase down daunting targets, calling him a “remarkable captain” who can “defy any challenge.” The match, played at Delhi’s venue, saw Punjab Kings overcome a massive 264/2 target set by Delhi Capitals, with Iyer playing a pivotal role. His innings, characterized by 7 sixes and 3 fours, showcased his composure under pressure. Iyer’s performance was further highlighted by the fact that he remained unbeaten, ensuring Punjab’s victory. “Iyer’s ability to stay at the crease until the end is what made this win possible,” Ponting said. Delhi Capitals’ innings was led by KL Rahul, who scored an unbeaten 152, supported by Nitish Rana’s 91. Despite their strong total, Punjab’s bowlers maintained composure, limiting Delhi’s momentum. Iyer, reflecting on the win, emphasized the team’s belief in their ability to chase big totals. “When our openers set the tone, we knew we could carry that momentum,” he said. Ponting also credited Iyer’s resilience, noting that the captain’s ability to stay focused in the final overs was critical. “Iyer’s innings was a masterclass in patience and aggression. He proved why we signed him in the auction,” Ponting added. The win solidified Punjab’s position at the top of the IPL 2026 table, with Iyer’s heroics marking a defining moment in the tournament.#shreyas_iyer #delhi_capitals #nitish_rana #punjab_kings #kl_rahul

Delhi Capitals to Face Punjab Kings in Delhi; Lineups and Strategic Insights Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to face each other in a match at Delhi, with both teams retaining their unchanged lineups from previous games. DC captain Axar Patel won the toss and opted to bat on a 41-degree afternoon, while PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer described the toss as "inconsequential," noting his team had planned to bowl first regardless. The match will see DC take the initiative with their batting lineup, while PBKS will rely on their bowling strength. Both teams have maintained their core squads, though some new additions have joined DC. Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc has linked up with DC but is not yet available for the game against Rajasthan Royals on May 1. England allrounder Rehan Ahmed has also joined DC’s squad as a replacement for his compatriot Rehan Ahmed. For DC, the strategy involves adapting to the conditions of the Delhi pitch, which Axar Patel described as dry. The team has named Auqib Nabi as their likely Impact Player for the bowling department, but they may also consider legspinner Vipraj Nigam if spin conditions favor. The Impact Sub bench includes Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Ashutosh Sharma, and Nabi, providing flexibility for tactical adjustments. Punjab Kings have identified Nehal Wadhera as their most probable Impact Sub for the chasing phase. The team’s bowling attack, led by Shreyas Iyer, will aim to exploit any weaknesses in DC’s batting order. PBKS’ Impact Sub bench features Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, and Vishnu Vinod, offering options to counter DC’s lineup. Delhi Capitals’ batting XI includes KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper, with Pathum Nissanka, Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Axar Patel in the middle order.#axar_patel #shreyas_iyer #delhi_capitals #mitchell_starc #punjab_kings

Punjab Kings All-Rounder Cooper Connolly Available for Match Against Delhi Capitals After Returning from Australia Cooper Connolly, the all-rounder for the Punjab Kings, has confirmed his availability for the upcoming match against Delhi Capitals. The player returned to India from Australia after undergoing scans for a minor injury, according to coach Sairaj Bahutule. The scans were conducted at the request of Cricket Australia, which had been monitoring Connolly’s bowling fitness during his time in the country. Bahutule provided an update ahead of the match, stating that Connolly is fully fit and ready to participate. “He’s fully available and eager to play,” the coach said. Connolly’s return is significant as he played a pivotal role in the Punjab Kings’ successful campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. During the tournament, he scored 223 runs at a strike rate of 163.97, including an unbeaten 72 and a 87-run innings. However, he has yet to bowl in the tournament so far. The Punjab Kings’ victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday, where Connolly and opener Priyansh Arya shared an 182-run partnership for the second wicket, highlighted his contributions. The team’s strong performance has positioned them at the top of the IPL points table with 11 points from six matches, despite one game being abandoned due to rain. Connolly emphasized the importance of teamwork and mutual learning within the squad. “We all discuss what works for each other and learn from small things,” he said after the match. “We’re all striving to improve and become the best team. The captain, Shreyas Iyer, leads by example, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and motivated to perform at their best.” The coach praised Iyer’s leadership, noting how the captain fosters a positive environment.#shreyas_iyer #delhi_capitals #punjab_kings #cooper_connolly #sairaj_bahutule

Shreyas Iyer Hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as 'One for the Future' After Explosive IPL Performance Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has praised Rajasthan Royals’ teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his remarkable IPL 2025 campaign, calling him a “spectacular talent” and a “one for the future.” Iyer highlighted Sooryavanshi’s ability to dominate with a strike rate exceeding 236, amassing 246 runs in six innings, as a testament to his natural flair and potential. The 19-year-old batter’s performances have drawn widespread admiration, with Iyer emphasizing the importance of individuality and self-belief in modern T20 cricket. Iyer, who himself contributed 208 runs for Punjab Kings, shared his philosophy of encouraging players to “be themselves” rather than mimic others. “When you are fearless and flamboyant in your own way, you don’t have to copy anyone,” he said during a JioHotstar interview. This mindset, he explained, has been instrumental in nurturing the success of Punjab’s openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, both of whom have surpassed 200 runs in the tournament. “Telling these guys they are match-winners instills confidence,” Iyer said. “They can go out there and play freely, without hesitation.” The Punjab skipper also reflected on a standout moment against Jasprit Bumrah during Qualifier II, where he showcased his instinctive batting. “It was completely instinctive,” Iyer recalled. “I was trying to hit him straight down the ground, but when he bowled, I trusted my instincts and targeted him toward third man.” He credited this approach to his ability to perform under pressure, stating, “When you’re facing the best bowler in the world, you have to back your instincts.#rajasthan_royals #shreyas_iyer #ipl_2025 #punjab_kings #vaibhav_sooryavanshi

IPL 2026: Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer Close in on Orange Cap Leaders The Orange Cap leaderboard in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 remains dominated by Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh are rapidly closing the gap. After a dominant 24th match victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), Iyer and Singh showcased their form, pushing themselves into the top tier of the batting rankings. Iyer, the PBKS captain, scored 66 off 35 balls in a high-scoring innings, while Singh remained unbeaten on 80 from 39 deliveries. Their partnership of 139 runs off 67 balls for the third wicket was instrumental in PBKS’ victory, further solidifying their status as key contributors. Singh’s performance brought his tournament total to 211 runs from four innings at a strike rate of 172.95, placing him fifth on the Orange Cap table. Iyer, with 203 runs from four matches, now ranks sixth. Kohli continues to lead the Orange Cap race with his consistent performances for RCB, but the gap between him and the chasing pack is narrowing. Heinrich Klaasen of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Rajat Patidar of RCB, and Ishan Kishan of SRH occupy positions between Kohli and Iyer and Singh. Notably, Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who had previously led the table, has slipped to seventh after a duck against SRH earlier in the tournament. The Purple Cap leaderboard remains unchanged at the top, with Gujarat Titans’ Prasidh Krishna and Chennai Super Kings’ Anshul Kamboj sharing the lead on 10 wickets each. Lucknow Super Giants’ Prince Yadav and Rajasthan Royals’ Ravi Bishnoi follow with nine wickets apiece.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #prabhsimran_singh

Klaasen and Kamboj Climb Rankings in IPL 2026 Orange and Purple Cap Tables Super Saturday at the IPL 2026 delivered a thrilling display of batting dominance as three teams recorded 200-plus totals. Punjab Kings (PBKS) overhauled Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) 219 with seven balls remaining, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) restricted Delhi Capitals (DC) to 189 after their 212-run chase. The matchday also featured significant wicket-taking, reshaping the Orange Cap and Purple Cap leaderboards. The Orange Cap, which tracks the highest run-scorers, saw Vaibhav Sooryavanshi maintain his lead with 200 runs for Rajasthan Royals (RR). However, his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped to third after Heinrich Klaasen of SRH surged ahead. Klaasen, who has consistently delivered impactful performances, added 39 off 33 balls on Saturday to his tally of 31, 52, and 62. This brought his season total to 184, surpassing Jaiswal’s 183. Other notable performers included Sameer Rizvi of DC, who remained in the top five despite a second consecutive failure. His 70 not out and 90 in his debut innings secured 166 runs, keeping him at No. 5. Dhruv Jurel of RR, with 166 runs, occupied the spot between Jaiswal and Rizvi. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer climbed to No. 8 with 137 runs after scoring 69 not out in PBKS’ victory over SRH. CSK’s Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre also reached 137 and 133 runs respectively, placing them in the top eight. The Purple Cap, recognizing the best bowlers, saw Anshul Kamboj of CSK rise to prominence. Kamboj’s 3 for 35 on Saturday marked his best performance of the season, securing his position between RR’s Ravi Bishnoi and GT’s Prasidh Krishna. With eight wickets, Kamboj now trails Bishnoi by one and leads Krishna by two.#shreyas_iyer #heinrich_klaasen #anshul_kamboj #yashasvi_jaiswal #vaibhav_sooryavanshi

PBKS vs SRH: 5 Key Battles to Watch in IPL 2026 Match In Match 17 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on April 11. The day game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM IST. PBKS have started the season strongly, remaining unbeaten with five points and sitting second on the points table. In contrast, SRH have struggled for consistency, earning just two points and occupying sixth place in the standings. Historically, SRH hold a significant advantage in this rivalry, having won 17 of their 24 encounters against PBKS. They have also claimed four of the last five meetings, including a dramatic run-chase of 246 in 2025. With both teams aiming to secure crucial points, the match promises to be a closely contested battle. Here are five key player matchups that could shape the outcome: The first critical battle centers on Shreyas Iyer, the PBKS captain, and Harshal Patel, the SRH bowler. Patel has a strong record against Iyer, dismissing him three times in four IPL meetings while conceding only 17 runs. If Patel can maintain his effectiveness in the death overs, he could play a pivotal role in restricting PBKS’ scoring. Conversely, Iyer’s ability to adapt to Patel’s variations will be crucial for PBKS’ chances of securing a victory. Another key duel involves Ishan Kishan, the SRH captain, and Yuzvendra Chahal, the PBKS leg-spinner. Kishan has a history of scoring quickly against Chahal, but the leg-spinner has proven to be a consistent threat, dismissing Kishan three times in seven innings while conceding just 55 runs. Chahal’s ability to exploit Kishan’s aggressive approach in the middle overs could determine the flow of the game, particularly in the critical stages of the innings.#shreyas_iyer #srh #pbks #harshal_patel

PBKS vs SRH: Strategic Adjustments and Lineup Changes Ahead of Match Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) made tactical adjustments to their squads ahead of their upcoming match, with both teams opting for changes in their bowling lineups and Impact Player selections. The decision to bowl first was made by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, who cited the dry conditions as a factor in his choice. SRH captain Ishan Kishan acknowledged that chasing would have been the preferred option, but the focus now shifts to executing a strong first innings. PBKS introduced a single change to their bowling XI, with Priyansh Arya replacing Nehal Wadhera in the starting lineup. Wadhera, however, remains a key contender for the Impact Player role, which allows him to enter the game during the second innings if needed. The team’s bowling options also include Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, and Harpreet Brar, all of whom are listed as potential Impact Player candidates. SRH, on the other hand, made two notable changes to their XI, bringing in all-rounder Salil Arora and debutant Praful Hinge. These replacements came at the expense of Liam Livingstone and Jaydev Unadkat. While Hinge’s inclusion in the Impact Player list highlights his potential role in the second innings, the team also retains options like Shivam Mavi and Kamindu Mendis for flexibility. The PBKS lineup for the match includes Prabhsimran Singh as the wicketkeeper, with Priyansh Arya leading the bowling attack. Other key bowlers in the XI are Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, and Yuzvendra Chahal, while the batting order features Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Shreyas Iyer. The team’s batting depth is further supported by players like Xavier Bartlett and Vijaykumar Vyshak.#ishan_kishan #shreyas_iyer #srh #priyansh_arya #pbks

"That Is What Cost Us": CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Blunt Verdict On Reason Behind Defeat Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered a candid assessment of his team’s performance after a five-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Friday. The loss, which extended CSK’s winless streak in the tournament, prompted Gaikwad to point to a lackluster bowling effort as the primary reason for the team’s struggles. Despite a strong batting display that saw them post 209 for 5, the Super Kings failed to contain the opposition’s batting line-up, ultimately falling short of the target. Gaikwad, addressing the media after the match, admitted that the team’s bowling attack did not perform to its potential. “We felt we had three seamers going in, and obviously we have two good wrist spinners bowling in tandem, especially in the middle after the powerplay. We felt that, you know, it will help,” he said. However, he quickly acknowledged that the bowlers faced an off day, which cost them the match. “I think, you know, slight off day for both of them. So, I think, that is what cost us. Sometimes we executed really well. Sometimes we just didn’t execute at the right time,” he added. The captain highlighted the team’s inability to build momentum with the ball during the middle overs, which could have disrupted the opposition’s rhythm. “There was a point when it (required run-rate) went to 11, and a couple of good overs would have taken it to 12-13. We just did not get momentum in the middle (with the ball). Tough one (to take).” Despite the loss, Gaikwad praised the batting performances of young players Ayush Mhatre and Shivam Dube, noting their contributions as a positive aspect of the innings.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #shreyas_iyer #ruturaj_gaikwad #punjab_kings

Shreyas Iyer's Heroics Lead Punjab Kings to Victory Over Chennai Super Kings, But Fine Lingers Punjab Kings secured a thrilling 209-run victory over Chennai Super Kings in a high-stakes IPL encounter, with captain Shreyas Iyer delivering a standout performance. Iyer’s innings of 68 off 43 balls, coupled with his leadership on the field, steered his team to a dominant win. However, the match also saw a contentious fine imposed on Iyer for slow over rates, highlighting the challenges of balancing performance and adherence to regulations. The match began with Chennai Super Kings’ explosive innings, led by Ayush Mishra’s 73 off 43 balls. Mishra’s aggressive batting, including six boundaries and five sixes, set a formidable target of 209. Punjab Kings responded with precision, with Iyer anchoring the innings and guiding his team to a comfortable chase. Iyer’s ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver crucial runs proved pivotal, earning widespread praise from fans and analysts alike. Despite the victory, Iyer faced a setback post-match. The IPL authorities imposed a fine of 24 lakh rupees on him for violating the minimum over rate rules. This was Punjab Kings’ second such penalty of the season, underscoring the league’s strict enforcement of regulations. The fine, which falls under Section 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, highlights the growing scrutiny on teams to maintain a consistent pace of play. Iyer’s performance, however, overshadowed the fine. His innings showcased his ability to adapt to pressure, with a strike rate of 169.77 and a mix of boundaries and sixes. Fans on social media lauded his leadership, with cricket legends like Kevin P. Petersen hailing him as a “world-class player.#chennai_super_kings #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #ipl #ayush_mishra

IPL 2026: How to Enjoy Cricket Action Without Exceeding Your Data Limit Watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on mobile devices can quickly drain data plans, especially with high-resolution streaming. A single 4K match on JioHotstar, the official streaming platform for IPL 2026, can consume up to 25 GB of data. For users on standard 1.5GB or 2GB daily data limits, this could deplete their allowance before the match concludes. To avoid this, fans are advised to adjust their streaming settings and adopt strategies to conserve data while maintaining a smooth viewing experience. The key to managing data usage lies in selecting the appropriate video quality. Streaming in Standard Definition (SD) is the most data-efficient option, using approximately 600MB to 800MB per match. This setting is ideal for users with limited data plans, as it allows for uninterrupted viewing without significant data consumption. In contrast, High Definition (HD) streaming burns through 3GB to 4GB per match, which is manageable only if the user has access to Wi-Fi. The 4K resolution, while offering the highest visual quality, is impractical for mobile users due to its massive data demand, potentially exhausting a monthly plan in a single evening. To optimize data usage, fans should manually override the app’s default settings. JioHotstar’s “Data Saver” mode is a critical tool for conserving data. Activating this feature reduces the bit-rate of the stream, preventing unnecessary data consumption. Additionally, users should disable options like “Multi-Cam” or “4K” if they are highlighted, as these settings automatically increase data usage. By prioritizing lower resolution settings, fans can enjoy the IPL without worrying about hitting their data cap.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #jiohotstar #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings

Cooper Conoly Named Cricket Legend as Role Model, Credits Explosive Innings to Team Effort Cooper Conoly, the young Australian opener for Punjab Kings, delivered a standout performance in his IPL debut match against Gujarat Titans, scoring an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls to guide his team to victory. The innings, which came after his maiden half-century in the tournament, was highlighted by Conoly’s aggressive approach and his praise for the team’s disciplined bowling. Speaking post-match, Conoly credited his coach Ricky Ponting for encouraging him to play assertively, stating, “Ponting told me to stay calm and attack. The team’s excellent bowling made things easier for us.” Conoly also expressed admiration for his captain, Shreyas Iyer, calling him a “world-class player” and sharing his desire to learn from him. “I wanted to bat with Iyer to learn from him. He’s a top-tier cricketer, and I’ve faced him in Australia’s domestic leagues. I’ll try to absorb as much as I can from him,” he said. In addition to Iyer, Conoly named Shaun Marsh, a former Australian and Punjab Kings player, as his role model. “Marsh is my ideal. When I was selected, it was a proud moment. I first spoke to him, and he gave me advice. I’ve played a lot with him in Western Australia, and he’s both my mentor and inspiration,” Conoly explained. The match also drew attention from veteran spinner Anil Kumble, who criticized Gujarat’s decision to delay bowling Prasidh Krishna, their star leg-spinner, until the 13th over. Kumble noted that Krishna, who had taken 29 runs off four overs and claimed three wickets, was underutilized. “It doesn’t make sense to bowl Krishna so late in the innings.#shreyas_iyer #anil_kumble #punjab_kings #ricky_ponting #cooper_conoly

Sanju Samson Eyes Redemption In Front Of Home Fans As CSK Take On Punjab Kings Chennai Super Kings will face Punjab Kings in their first home match of the Indian Premier League 2026 on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Chennai Cricket Stadium. The encounter marks a critical moment for Sanju Samson, the team’s most high-profile signing, who struggled during his debut against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. With the pressure of delivering results for his home crowd, Samson aims to bounce back after a disappointing start to his IPL 2026 campaign. The match is expected to be a tough test for CSK, as Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting, have emerged as a formidable force in the tournament. CSK’s recent performance has been inconsistent, highlighted by a comprehensive 65-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in their opening match. The team, which has embraced a youthful squad, faced challenges in all departments of the game, including batting, bowling, and fielding. The Chennai surface, known for its conducive conditions for batting, could play a pivotal role in the upcoming clash. However, the team’s struggles were compounded by the absence of key players, including injured MS Dhoni, who may return as a mentor to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is nursing a calf strain. Sanju Samson’s debut against Rajasthan Royals was marred by a lack of impact, as he failed to adapt to the conditions and was dismissed early in the innings. His performance has raised concerns about his ability to contribute consistently, especially given the high expectations surrounding his signing. The 28-year-old batter will have the opportunity to redeem himself in front of his home fans, where the pressure is likely to be even greater.#sanju_samson #chennai_super_kings #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #ricky_ponting

Punjab Kings aim to clinch their first TATA IPL title in 11 years after securing a spot in the final last season. Ahead of the upcoming tournament, JioHotstar's 'Game Plan - Know Your Team' segment featured insights from JioStar analysts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Bangar, who evaluated the team's strengths, Shreyas Iyer's potential role in the Indian T20I squad, and the significance of Harpreet Brar's contributions. Irfan Pathan highlighted Shreyas Iyer's readiness to perform at the highest level, emphasizing his experience in both T20 cricket and international matches. "Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer who has excelled in T20 formats for Punjab Kings and for the Indian team," Pathan said. He recalled Iyer's standout performance against Mumbai in a qualifier, where the captain deftly handled a yorker from Bumrah. Pathan expressed confidence that Iyer could replicate such form this season, noting his ability to adapt and improve rapidly. The analyst also praised Punjab Kings' balanced team composition, stressing the importance of their top order and fast-bowling attack. "The top order is solid with Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, and Priyansh Arya," Pathan said. He highlighted the reliability of Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh in the middle order, while underscoring the need for Stoinis' finishing skills. Pathan also pointed to Mitch Owen as a key asset, describing him as a "powerhouse" whose performance could influence the team's success. The fast-bowling trio of Arshdeep, Marco Jansen, and Ferguson was deemed "totally sorted," with adequate backups to ensure consistency. Sanjay Bangar focused on the team's opening pair, noting Prabhsimran Singh's experience and consistency. "Prabhsimran has been a reliable performer for Punjab, including a century in the IPL," Bangar said.#irfan_pathan #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #sanjay_bangar #harpreet_brar

Punjab Kings Set for IPL 2026 with Confidence After Historic Final Run Punjab Kings are entering the 2026 Indian Premier League season with renewed optimism, aiming to break their 11-year drought and secure their first title. The franchise’s return to the final last year has sparked a sense of momentum, and experts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Bangar have analyzed the squad’s strengths and potential challenges ahead of the tournament. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting form are seen as critical to the team’s success. Pathan expressed confidence in the captain’s ability to maintain his high standards, citing Iyer’s consistent performances for both Punjab Kings and the Indian team. “Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer who has done exceptionally well in T20 cricket,” Pathan said. He highlighted Iyer’s ability to handle high-pressure situations, referencing a memorable innings against Mumbai where Iyer’s shot against Jasprit Bumrah showcased his composure. Pathan believes Iyer’s continued excellence will be key to Punjab’s title aspirations. The squad’s balance is another major strength. Pathan praised the depth of the batting lineup, noting the reliability of the top order featuring Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, and Priyansh Arya. He also emphasized the pace attack’s readiness, with players like Arshdeep, Marco Jansen, and Ferguson forming a formidable unit. “The fast bowlers are totally sorted, and they have good backups,” Pathan added. However, he acknowledged the need for consistency from Mitch Owen, who will be relied upon to deliver crucial performances. Sanjay Bangar focused on the opening pair, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, highlighting their potential and the pressure they face. While Singh has experience and a proven track record, Arya’s inexperience in high-stakes matches could be a concern.#irfan_pathan #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #sanjay_bangar #prabhsimran_singh

Suryakumar Yadav’s future in focus as India captain eyes T20 final milestone Suryakumar Yadav’s eyes say it all. He wants the trophy today. PTI Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had decided to retire from T20 cricket after the World Cup victory at Bridgetown two years ago. This edition could mean the end of the road for Suryakumar Yadav. There has been no official discussion, but it is unlikely that Surya, 35, will be allowed to continue when the next T20 World Cup takes place in 2028, in Australia and New Zealand. Even if Surya doesn’t make an announcement after Sunday’s final, he is expected to make an announcement before India’s next series. Several names who could succeed Surya have been doing the rounds. Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer are in the running, but their fitness concerns have made the selectors go slow on any decision. Perhaps IPL 2026 could throw some clues on Surya’s successor. Vice-captain Axar Patel will be the dark horse unless Shubman Gill makes a comeback. Sunil Gavaskar has already lauded Axar’s all-round performance, saying he has the batting, bowling, and cricketing intelligence to be an ideal successor for Ravindra Jadeja. Surya didn’t wish to throw any clue before the biggest day of his leadership career. He stressed staying in the present and “being courageous” in their moment of reckoning. “I think the mantra has been very clear in this tournament. You have to be in the present as much as possible,” he said. “I know it is very difficult. It’s a human tendency. You get excited when you play the league stage and qualify for Super Eight. You’re already thinking about, oh yes, we’ll play a semi-final. We’ll get to play a final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.#suryakumar_yadav #hardik_pandya #virat_kohli #rohit_sharma #shreyas_iyer