Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra praised Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer for his excellent batting in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Chopra urged the national selectors to include Iyer in the India squad and also suggested making him the permanent captain for the T20 World Cup 2028.
Punjab Kings have made a strong start to the season. They are one of the two teams that have not lost a single match. PBKS started their campaign with wins over Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Their match against Kolkata Knight Riders was rained out, but they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Aakash Chopra demands India captaincy for Shreyas Iyer
Aakash Chopra said that Shreyas Iyer controls the middle overs effectively in limited overs cricket. He said it would be a big mistake for the India national team to ignore Iyer and urged the selectors to give him a leadership role.
Chopra wrote on
I am a big fan of Shreyas Iyer’s skill in controlling the middle overs. In both ODI and T20. It would be a joke if he is not a part of India’s T20 set-up soon. In fact, could be a captaincy candidate for the next World Cup
– Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 11 April 2026
India became the first team to win consecutive T20 World Cups and the first team to win the title thrice. Iyer has not featured in a T20I for India since the end of 2023. However, he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the title and finished runners-up to Punjab Kings in consecutive seasons.
Abhishek Sharma and Travis achieved a big goal
Sunrisers Hyderabad batted first at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head launched a brutal attack and made a partnership of 120 runs in just 8.1 overs. Abhishek completed his half-century in just 18 balls.
The Indian batsman scored 74 runs in 28 balls with the help of eight sixes and five fours. Head scored 38 runs on 23 balls. Shashank Singh made a significant breakthrough by dismissing both the openers in the same over and taking two wickets for 20 runs.
Ishan Kishan scored 27 runs in 17 balls, while Heinrich Klaasen added 39 runs in 33 balls. Arshdeep Singh took two wickets as Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 219/6. Xavier Bartlett bowled a brilliant final over and conceded just five runs.
Shreyas Iyer and opening batsmen ensured victory
Punjab Kings easily achieved the target of 220 runs with seven balls remaining. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh gave a great start by making a partnership of 99 runs in the powerplay. Arya continuously attacked Harshal Patel with fours, who was rapidly moving towards his half-century.
Priyansh Arya scored 57 runs in 20 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh scored 51 runs in 25 balls. Shivang Kumar gave Sunrisers Hyderabad some hope by taking three wickets, but Shreyas Iyer made a strong start and chased the target with control.
Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 69 runs in 33 balls, he played the captaincy innings from the front. He won the Player of the Match award and credited the openers for taking smart risks. Punjab Kings’ next match will be against Lucknow Super Giants. at the same place on 19 April.
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