Shreyas Iyer with Marcus Stoinis [Source: @IPL/x]Shreyas Iyer is back in the thick of things as he reasserts his presence with a renewed purpose and a point to prove. Set to make his return after a gap of over two months through the upcoming IPL 2026 season, the Punjab Kings skipper also fired a warning shot of all other competing franchises of the tournament. It is worth noting that under the leadership of Iyer, the Punjab Kings franchise made it to the final of the IPL 2025 season last year, thus securing the team’s best-ever finish since their runners-up campaign from 2014. His latest comments reflect a steely ambition to go one step further this time, with the skipper determined to transform last season’s near-miss into a title-winning crusade. Shreyas Iyer vows to win IPL 2026 for Punjab Kings The Punjab Kings franchise recently unveiled its brand-new official jersey for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Speaking at the launch event on Friday, March 20, team captain Shreyas Iyer said that expectations are “high” this time around following their runners-up finish last year. Also Read- Will Lockie Ferguson Be Punished By PBKS For Missing IPL 2026 First Half?The senior Indian batter further added that while coping with the added expectations will be challenging, he remains determined to deliver and clinch the IPL silverware for the franchise. Shreyas Iyer said “Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy.” Shreyas Iyer reflects return from injury Shreyas Iyer also reflected on his return to competitive cricket after recovering from injury. The 31-year-old stated that he endured a demanding rehabilitation phase that tested both his physical and mental resolve, but expressed satisfaction at overcoming the setback and returning stronger to represent the side. He added “It is always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around seven kilos and it took a lot of effort to gain that weight back. But I love challenges. I am glad I overcame that part of my life, and I am back here proudly representing the team.” Shreyas Iyer’s track record as IPL captain Shreyas Iyer holds a formidable record as captain in the IPL. Under his leadership, the Delhi Capitals franchise reached the final of the IPL 2020 season in the UAE, thus marking their lone appearance in an IPL season so far in the near two-decade long history of the tournament. Iyer also led the KKR franchise to a comprehensive IPL 2024 win by defeating SRH in a one-sided final. The outcome ended KKR’s decade-old title drought and extended their trophy count to three titles. Moreover, he led Punjab Kings into the final of the IPL 2025 season last year, their first-ever in over a decade and only their second appearance overall for the title clash. Punjab Kings to face Gujarat Titans to start off IPL 2026 As per the IPL 2026 schedule unveiled by the BCCI earlier this month, the Punjab Kings franchise will be facing Gujarat Titans in their first match of the tournament. The match will be hosted by New Chandigarh on March 31. Shreyas Iyer and co. will subsequently face CSK on April 3, the KKR on April 6 and the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11. Also Read- Punjab Kings' Overseas Options In IPL 2026 With Absence Of Lockie Ferguson
