Shreyas Iyer has emerged as one of many greatest speaking factors of IPL 2026, not only for his explosive batting but in addition for the calm authority with which he has led Punjab Kings to the highest of the factors desk. Forward of Punjab Kings’ essential conflict in opposition to Rajasthan Royals in Match 40 at Mullanpur on Tuesday, former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara shared his ideas on how RR can cease the PBKS captain, calling Iyer “virtually unstoppable” as soon as he settles on the crease.
With Punjab unbeaten to this point and sitting comfortably on the summit with 13 factors from seven matches, Iyer has performed a large position within the group’s success. His management has been sharp, whereas his batting has been fearless, aggressive, and extremely efficient in strain conditions.
Shreyas Iyer’s dominant IPL 2026 marketing campaign
Iyer’s performances this season have answered many critics, particularly those that had typically questioned his potential in opposition to short-pitched bowling. As a substitute of wanting weak, the right-hander has regarded in full management, taking over tempo and spin with equal confidence.
In six innings to this point, he has scored 279 runs at a outstanding common of 69.75 and a blistering strike fee of 186.00. His tally already consists of 4 half-centuries, and extra importantly, lots of these runs have are available in match-defining conditions. He has performed the position of finisher brilliantly, guiding Punjab by way of difficult run chases, together with profitable pursuits of 200-plus totals. His potential to soak up strain after which speed up has made him some of the harmful middle-order batters this season.
Greater than the numbers, it’s the confidence with which he bats that has stood out. Whether or not rebuilding an innings or ending video games, Iyer has regarded like a batter fully answerable for his recreation.
Cheteshwar Pujara reveals RR’s gameplan to dismiss Iyer
Talking on Star Sports activities, Pujara burdened that Rajasthan Royals should goal Iyer early and never enable him the time to settle in. In accordance with him, the primary 10 to fifteen deliveries Iyer faces are probably the most essential part for the opposition. If RR fail to take his wicket in that window, the competition might shortly slip away.
Pujara prompt that RR captain Riyan Parag ought to flip to his strike bowlers instantly, particularly speedster Jofra Archer and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. He defined that Archer’s tempo and bounce can check Iyer earlier than he will get comfy, whereas Bishnoi’s wicket-taking potential within the center overs can create strain although Iyer is thought to be sturdy in opposition to spin. The concept, in accordance with Pujara, is easy—assault him earlier than he finds rhythm.
“Perhaps attempt to use Jofra Archer early on in case you can; if he has a few overs left, additionally attempt to use Ravi Bishnoi each time doable. And we now have seen that Shreyas is an efficient participant of spin, however nonetheless that you must make the most of your wicket-taking choices, and Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi each are those whom Riyan Parag ought to go to,” defined Pujara.
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Why Pujara believes Iyer turns into unstoppable?
Pujara was stuffed with reward for the PBKS skipper, saying Iyer is presently batting in his prime and main from the entrance. He famous that Iyer is setting the usual for the remainder of Punjab’s batting unit and provoking confidence all through the dressing room. His aggressive intent mixed with good shot choice has made him some of the dependable batters of the match. As soon as he survives the preliminary part, Pujara believes bowlers run out of solutions as a result of Iyer adapts shortly and dominates the sport.
“He’s (Shreyas Iyer) in his prime type, the way in which he’s been batting. He’s main from the entrance. I feel Shreyas Iyer is setting the instance for the remainder of the batters to observe. So for RR, I feel it’s vital that they attempt to choose up his wicket early on when he walks into bat, and RR should make sure that they create that chance within the first 10-15 deliveries which Shreyas faces as a result of as soon as he’s set, he’s virtually unstoppable,” added Pujara.
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