For Shreyas Iyer, the journey to IPL 2026 hasn’t been a clean one. Whereas his teammates have been lifting the T20 World Cup trophy, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain was preventing a really totally different battle – recovering from a spleen damage that stored him away from the sport for months.
It was a section that examined him each bodily and mentally. Identified for his aggressive batting and management, Iyer all of the sudden discovered himself off the sector, coping with restoration routines as a substitute of match conditions. The damage not solely dominated him out of India’s profitable World Cup marketing campaign but additionally compelled him into full relaxation at a time when he would have ideally been on the peak of his type.
“I had misplaced round seven kilos”: Shreyas Iyer
Opening up about that interval, Iyer revealed simply how powerful it was.
“I had misplaced round seven kilos and I needed to regain the muscle mass,” he mentioned.
The burden loss was only one a part of the wrestle. Regaining energy, health, and confidence required months of disciplined rehabilitation on the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, below the steering of VVS Laxman and the medical employees. Day by day was about small enhancements – getting stronger, regaining rhythm, and making ready for a return to aggressive cricket.
“It was powerful, however I’m grateful to the assist employees who helped me get again on my toes,” he added.
Regardless of the challenges, what made the section much more emotional was watching India win the T20 World Cup with out him. Whereas the victory introduced pleasure, it additionally got here with a way of non-public disappointment.
“It was fantastic to see the boys win, however there was that tinge of disappointment that I couldn’t be a part of it. That feeling is now driving me within the IPL,” Iyer admitted.
That blend of delight and remorse has now became motivation – a gasoline that he hopes will push him and his group in the direction of IPL glory.
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Iyer eyes on IPL 2026: Management, redemption and a title push
Now totally match and again in motion, Iyer is able to lead Punjab Kings into what might be a defining season for each him and the franchise. After coming agonizingly near profitable the title in IPL 2025, the place they completed runners-up, the group is set to go one step additional this yr.
For Iyer, this isn’t simply one other season – it’s a possibility for redemption.
Having already rejoined the squad, he has thrown himself into preparations with full depth. From lengthy web periods to rebuilding match health, the main target has been on getting again into the groove as rapidly as potential.
“The preparations have been intense. I’ve been batting within the nets, getting used to the rhythm once more. The physique is responding properly, and I’m assured of taking part in the complete season,” he mentioned.
His return is an enormous increase for Punjab Kings, not simply due to his batting capability but additionally because of the management stability he brings. The franchise has proven religion in him, and now he has the possibility to repay that belief on the sector.
Iyer additionally expressed confidence within the group’s total stability, highlighting the combination of expertise and firepower throughout the squad.
“We’ve got firepower on the prime, depth within the center, and a bowling assault that may defend any whole. It’s a gaggle that believes we are able to win it this yr,” he acknowledged.
Punjab Kings will kick off their IPL 2026 marketing campaign in opposition to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30 in Guwahati – a high-pressure begin in opposition to some of the profitable groups within the event’s historical past. For Iyer, it’s the right stage to mark his return.
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