Punjab Kings (PBKS) are all set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 31 in New Chandigarh, where they will face Gujarat Titans in a high-voltage encounter. After last year’s final misery, Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS must be hungry to finally bring home their maiden IPL trophy.
After the successful 2025 season, Punjab Kings have not made much changes in their team. They kept their core group together as they signed only four new faces to give the team a sharp boost in the ongoing IPL 2026, starting from March 28.
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One of them is Australian all-rounder Ben Dwarshuis. However, the 31-year-old player is not new to the Punjab Kings family, having been a part of the franchise in 2018. But this time, Dwarshuis has returned as a much more polished and confident player to grab the headlines in IPL 2026.
Ben Dwarshuis praises Shreyas Iyer ahead of possible Punjab Kings debut
Ahead of his team’s season opener, Dwarshuis shared how PBKS camp is shaping up and what excites him most. The Australian star was full of praise for Shreyas Iyer, saying that the captain brings a rare blend of calmness and smart thinking.
Dwarshuis has said that Iyer’s understanding of the game, his control at pressure moments and his ability to connect with players make him one of the strongest captains in the IPL. Now, he is excited to play under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer and hopes to contribute strongly whenever he gets the chance.
Ben Dwarshuis was quoted by NDTV as saying: “I mean from all reports, he’s one of the strongest captains in the league. Great cricket mind, really understands the game, and I hope I get a chance to play a few games and see what he’s like in between.”
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Dwarshuis excited to learn things from Ricky Ponting
The experienced all-rounder is also excited to spend the next two months in IPL 2026 with Punjab Kings head coach and Australian legend Ricky Ponting.
Dwarshuis said, “It’s great. I’ve had a little bit of experience with them in the past and I’ve really enjoyed those times, so a good two-month stint with them is going to be really great, and hopefully I’ll be able to learn some things.”
Adaptability will be key in Indian destinations: Dwarshuis
The Punjab Kings left-arm pacer admitted that playing in different stadiums in India definitely tests every player in the IPL, as each venue brings its own challenges and players will have to adjust their plans quickly.
Dwarshuis signed off by saying, “Yes, I think every ground you go to always changes the way you play a bit, and the adaptability of being able to play in different conditions, not just in India but around the world, I think, makes for great cricketers.”
Notably, Punjab Kings bought Dwarshuis for ₹4.40 crore during the IPL 2026 mini auction. He is known for bowling at any stage and hitting sixes in the death overs. During his previous stint, he did not get a single game, but this time, he will be aiming to make significant contributions.