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 up to now and sitting comfortably on the summit with 13 factors from seven matches, Iyer has performed an enormous function within the workforce’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 susceptible, the right-hander has regarded in full management, taking over tempo and spin with equal confidence.
In six innings up to now, he has scored 279 runs at a outstanding common of 69.75 and a blistering strike charge of 186.00. His tally already consists of 4 half-centuries, and extra importantly, a lot of these runs have are available match-defining conditions. He has performed the function 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 sport.
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 line 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 may rapidly slip away.
Pujara instructed 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 take a look at Iyer earlier than he will get snug, whereas Bishnoi’s wicket-taking potential within the center overs can create strain although Iyer is understood to be robust in opposition to spin. The concept, in keeping with Pujara, is straightforward—assault him earlier than he finds rhythm.
“Perhaps attempt to use Jofra Archer early on should you can; if he has a few overs left, additionally attempt to use Ravi Bishnoi at any time when doable. And we’ve got seen that Shreyas is an effective participant of spin, however nonetheless it’s essential 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 galvanizing confidence all through the dressing room. His aggressive intent mixed with sensible 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 rapidly and dominates the sport.
“He’s (Shreyas Iyer) in his prime kind, 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 comply with. 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 be certain 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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