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Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer is known for keeping things simple on the field, but a funny incident involving left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh showed how serious he is when it comes to a player’s focus during a match.
However, Iyer failed to take Punjab Kings to the IPL 2026 playoffs but impressed everyone with his strong leadership. PBKS lost six consecutive matches and failed to reach the top four this season.
Arshdeep Singh reveals funny boundary-line incident involving Shreyas Iyer during IPL 2026
Speaking with India Women star Harleen Deol in a video shared by Punjab Kings on their social media platforms, Arshdeep Singh recalled a memorable moment when he was enjoying near the boundary rope and interacting with the crowd during an IPL 2026 match.
Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin raises questions on ‘human touch’ of selectors, as Suryakumar Yadav may be dropped from India
The Indian fast bowlers were having a good time waiting for their next spell and their captain Shreyas Iyer was watching everything closely. While Arshdeep was busy entertaining the audience, Shreyas suddenly called him and asked him to get ready to bowl.
The fast bowler admitted that he was completely nervous by Iyer’s call as he was handed the ball in the 11th over and it was not part of the plan.
Shreyas Iyer wants his players to be active all the time: Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh said in the video, “When I was fielding on the boundary and entertaining the spectators, Shreyas Iyer suddenly called out, ‘Arsh, what are you doing there?’ And asked me to come bowling. I usually bowl the first, second, 17th and 20th overs, but he called me in the 11th over. I am hooked!”
Later Shreyas explained why he took the step. The captain wanted Arshdeep to keep his full attention on the match and not get distracted even for a short time. The PBKS bowler said that Iyer wants his players to be switched on all the time and that is always his priority.
The bowler said, “Later, he told me to stay focused on what’s happening in the game. If the over goes well, then it’s fine, but if it doesn’t, then everyone starts saying, ‘Your focus wasn’t there.'”
Shreyas Iyer was unhappy with my boundary-line entertainment – Arshdeep Singh
: While I was fielding on the boundary and entertaining the crowd, Shreyas Iyer suddenly called out, ‘Arsh, what are you doing there?’ And asked me to come bowling. I usually throw first, second,…. pic.twitter.com/iS2bcGE7O9
– Sam (@cricsam02) June 6, 2026
Shreyas Iyer is set to replace Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I captain
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is likely to be appointed India’s new T20I captain in place of Suryakumar Yadav, who led the team to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year. If Shreyas gets the job, he will become India’s third T20 captain in the last two years.
His impressive leadership and consistent performances with the bat with Punjab Kings have reportedly impressed the selectors. Interestingly, Suryakumar will not only lose the captaincy but will also have to be dropped from the T20 team due to poor form with the bat.
Also read: Afghanistan trapped in KL Rahul’s tricks, Graeme Swann says India’s star deserves an Oscar in the only Test
Some reports also say that Tilak Verma will be made the new T20 vice-captain of India. Tilak is currently leading India A in the ODI tri-series with Afghanistan A in Sri Lanka. The left-handed batsman has impressed with both his performances and leadership skills, strengthening his chances of getting a bigger role in the senior team.
The national selectors will take some big decisions on Saturday, June 6 to choose the T20 squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England. They will also announce the squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where they will defend their gold medal.
