Fans react to Shreyas Iyer's IPL hundred [Source: AFP]In a must-win encounter for the Punjab Kings, captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front and scored a magnificent hundred to guide the team to a perfect victory. His heroic knock earned him praise from the fans.Punjab Kings faced LSG at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow with the ultimate goal of winning and staying alive in the playoff race. In the first innings, LSG had set up a total of 196 runs.While the total looked par, Shreyas Iyer knew he had to pull something extraordinary to ensure PBKS got through.Fans excited after Shreyas Iyer hits his maiden IPL tonAfter losing 2 wickets at just 22 runs, Shreyas Iyer rescued Punjab Kings alongside Prabhsimran Singh as the duo stitched a 162-run match-winning partnership for the third wicket.Singh was dismissed on 69 off 39 balls, but Iyer stayed till the end to score the winning runs. With 6 needed to win, the PBKS skipper was batting on 94*. He launched a flat six off the final ball of the 18th over to not only accomplish the chase but also complete his maiden IPL hundred.Iyer was beaming with joy as he let out a huge roar and had a big smile on his face. The skipper appeared relieved and also excited to achieve a big milestone in his IPL career.Also Read - Shreyas Iyer Sets New Benchmark In Indian T20 Cricket Joining Virat KohliMeanwhile, fans on the internet were equally impressed. They praised Shreyas Iyer for leading from the front and stepping up when the team needed it the most.Immanuel Raj Kumar @Immanuel_99 An IYER act stands out as the KINGS wait & watch with hope! #IPL2026 #PBKSvsLSG Fenix @SpiderStrange_ this is easily the best celebration shreyas iyer has ever pulled off... never seen him celebrating like this even after finishing knockouts games with a huge six... Sahil Kohli @imsahilkohli17 I have been supporting this guy since delhi days , it has been 10 years and i have never seen Shreyas Iyer this emotional. Man I can't stop my tears, just pure love for him ❤️ Love you Shreyas Iyer #shreyas May 23, 2026, 11:27 PM Soman. @Shreyasian96 This celebration by Shreyas Iyer made me emotional man, he was getting smashed everywhere on social media from the last 30 days. He believed in himself and shut the mouth of haters. This century is special ❤️ May 23, 2026, 11:28 PM Gargi×͜× @daisssy_5 This knock was to shut the mouth of those who couldn't stop pointing fingers at you. A rough phase doesn't define who he is, he has the potential he knows his game and I feel so proud of him everytime I watch him play!! I will forever support you❤️ Shreyas Iyer you are my star!! May 23, 2026, 11:28 PM Anuj Trivedi @anuj10trivedi Talk about leading from the front. Shreyas Iyer 🫡 #LSGvPBKS A much-needed relief for PBKSThat being said, this victory was crucial for PBKS, as they had lost the last 6 consecutive fixtures of the IPL 2026 season. A loss here would have crushed their playoff dream.Also, a big credit for Punjab being still in the playoff race belongs to Shreyas Iyer. As a captain, he ensured the team kept fighting despite back-to-back humiliating setbacks.Not only that, as a batter, Iyer was leading by example. He scored 498 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 168, including a hundred and five fifties. Punjab Kings move to the fourth spotWith that victory, Punjab Kings snapped their 6-game losing streak, and with 15 points, they are now seated at the fourth position on the points table.However, the road to the IPL 2026 playoff is still far for PBKS. They’ve played their 14 games, and the Kings’ fate still depends on the other team’s result. Firstly, PBKS will pray that the Rajasthan Royals lose their next game against the Mumbai Indians.Because if RR wins, they’ll automatically qualify at 16 points. Also, PBKS must keep an eye on KKR’s last league fixture against Delhi Capitals. If KKR wins, they’ll also reach 15 points, and NRR will come into the picture.So overall, Sunday’s double header will decide who will be the fourth team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs alongside RCB, GT and SRH.Also Read - Delhi Capitals Crash Out Of IPL 2026 Playoff Race After PBKS Win Over LSG
