Punjab Kings Players Who Can Join Team India If Shreyas Iyer Becomes T20I Captain

PBKS players who could make into Indian team under Shreyas Iyer [Source: AFP]

The Indian T20I setup is heading for a shake-up after Suryakumar Yadav’s form has nosedived. The TOI reports that chief selector Ajit Agarkar is actively exploring options beyond the current captain, with Shreyas Iyer emerging as the top choice. 

Iyer’s IPL 2026 numbers speak a lot in terms of statistics, and if Iyer gets the nod, his stamp on the squad is inevitable. Now to move forward, captains often back players they trust, and several PBKS stars could benefit. 

Here are three Punjab Kings players who could force their way into the Indian team under a Shreyas Iyer regime.

3 Punjab Kings Players who can enter Indian Team If Shreyas Iyer becomes Captain

1. Prabhsimran Singh

Prabhsimran Singh’s case for an India call-up is intertwined with Sanju Samson’s casualties. Samson may have been the T20 World Cup’s standout performer, but his IPL 2026 was a microcosm of his career. 

Samson averaged 43.36 in IPL, yet, the selectors’ reluctance to even make him vice-captain tells how fragile his standing is. If Samson stumbles even briefly, India will need an aggressive wicketkeeper-opener and that is exactly where Prabhsimran Singh fits.

The PBKS opener piled on 510 runs in IPL 2026 at an average of 42.50 and a blistering strike rate of 168.87. He smashed six fifties, including knocks of 80*, 76, and 69, and only once fell for a single-digit score in 13 innings. 

That consistency is the antithesis of Samson’s all-or-nothing returns. As a wicketkeeper-batter who opens the innings, Prabhsimran is a like-for-like replacement should Samson fail. 

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Iyer has already seen him dominate attacks from the other end, and having the captain’s trust is often half the battle in Indian cricket. 

With the leadership group unwilling to hand Samson any long-term security, the door is open for Prabhsimran to walk in and make the opener’s slot his own.

2. Suryansh Shedge

India’s T20I side has a massive hole at the finishing position. Hardik Pandya’s batting has been in a visible decline, especially after leading the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. 

Shivam Dube has also blown hot and cold, never cementing the role in either CSK or the India team itself.

The team needs a lower-order hitter who can win games from risky situations, and Suryansh Shedge’s brief but explosive IPL 2026 audition suggests he might be that man.

Shedge played just seven innings for PBKS but made every opportunity count, smashing 158 runs at an average of 39.50 and an impressive strike rate of 175.56. 

His 57 not out off 29 balls against Gujarat Titans, along with quickfire cameos like 35 off 22 against RCB, showed a temperament built for the death overs. He can start hitting from ball one, a skill India desperately needs at No. 6 or 7. 

Shreyas Iyer used him exactly in that finishing role at PBKS, and knowing Shedge’s game inside out would give the new captain the confidence to throw him into international cricket. 

In a set-up where the finisher’s spot is up for grabs, Shedge’s numbers and Iyer’s backing could combine to earn him a debut.

3. Vyshak Vijaykumar

Jasprit Bumrah cannot shoulder India’s death-bowling burden forever. Now into his thirties, his workload needs careful management, and the T20I team must groom a reliable support act who can nail yorkers under pressure. Vyshak Vijaykumar has quietly built a case to be that bowler.

The PBKS seamer picked up 9 wickets in 9 innings during IPL 2026, operating at an economy of 10.64 and striking every 20.6 deliveries. 

Economy rates in the death overs can be deceptive, but Vyshak’s real value lies in his striking ability. In IPL, Vyshak has a strike rate of 11.6 in the death overs, with a wicket-taking success rate of more than 50%.

Iyer repeatedly turned to him at the back end of innings, and Vyshak responded with spells like 3 for 34 against Gujarat and 2 for 38 against CSK. 

Also Read: India's T20I Captains List