Former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin recently praised Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer for his exceptional captaincy over the years. Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title in 2024, was surprisingly released during the 2025 IPL mega auction, much to the shock of Iyer and KKR fans. Despite winning the championship, KKR decided to part ways with them, which surprised many.
On this sudden decision, Shreyas Iyer did not comment publicly but moved to Punjab Kings as captain and leading batsman. In his first season with Punjab, he achieved what many considered impossible: he led the team to the final against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Although Punjab Kings fell just short of winning the trophy, Iyer proved his worth and showed KKR what they were missing.
Shreyas Iyer has a big impact on the game!
Brad Haddin believes that Shreyas Iyer has a huge impact on the game, especially in the shorter formats. Since his IPL debut in 2015, Iyer has led three different teams to the final: Delhi Capitals in 2020, KKR in 2024 and Punjab Kings in 2025.
Haddin praised Iyer for his leadership style, highlighting his care towards the players. Haddin said on Cricbuzz, “Shreyas Iyer can impact the game with the way he plays, tactically, he is as good a captain as I have seen in the IPL. He has taken 3 different teams to 3 different IPL finals, but the thing I like most about working with Shreyas is the care he has for his players.”
Can Shreyas Iyer take Punjab Kings across the finish line?
After taking Punjab Kings to the final in IPL 2025 as a captain, all eyes are on Shreyas Iyer to see how he guides the team in IPL 2026. Last season, under his leadership, Punjab Kings won 9 out of 14 games in the league stage, and topped the points table. However, they fell behind in the final against RCB.
Despite the defeat, Iyer and the team are determined to go even stronger this season. Punjab have retained 21 players, focusing on an explosive batting core including Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, as well as a solid pace attack of Arshdeep Singh and Marcus Stoinis.
Major strengths of Punjab Kings team
Punjab is a strong team, especially after last year’s stellar performance, where many players emerged as match-winners. At the top of the order, young talents Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provide the attacking starts. In the bowling department, experienced players Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar form a reliable attack.
However, the middle-order looks a bit inexperienced, with Shreyas Iyer the only senior player. As the tournament progresses, the team hopes to find solutions to strengthen this area.
Key aspects of the 2026 Punjab Kings season:
Strong squad: Coach Ricky Ponting believes that the team has no shortcomings and is stronger than last year, especially with the addition of players like Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly.
Leadership and core: Iyer leads the team that has retained the core team that will reach the 2025 final.
Batting Strengths: Openers Arya and Prabhasimran are expected to continue their aggressive form with the support of a solid middle-order.
Bowling Strengths: Arshdeep Singh remains the primary death bowler, with Chahal strengthening the spin department.
Key additions: Cooper Connolly and fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis add depth and international experience, giving the team “serious intentions”.
Punjab Kings will play their first match today against Gujarat Titans at their newly constructed home ground in Punjab. Fans are eager to see if Iyer can continue his excellent leadership and lead Punjab to IPL glory this season.
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