Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Shreyas Iyer to continue his impressive run in IPL 2026, expressing strong confidence in the Punjab Kings captain’s ability to deliver yet another standout season. Pathan’s remarks come after Iyer’s exceptional leadership campaign last year, where he guided Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish.

Heading into IPL 2026, the Punjab Kings have retained their core squad while making smart additions like Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis to strengthen the lineup. With a balanced mix of youth and experience, expectations are high from the franchise—and much of that hinges on Iyer’s form and captaincy.

Pathan dismissed the idea that Iyer would view the IPL purely as a platform to reclaim his place in India’s T20I setup. Instead, he emphasised that the right-hander has already established himself across formats. “Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer. He’s delivered consistently in franchise cricket and for India. There’s definitely a place for him in the T20 setup, and he knows that,” Pathan noted.

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Reflecting on Iyer’s performances, Irfan Pathan recalled his remarkable playoff knock against the Mumbai Indians, particularly a stunning shot off Jasprit Bumrah.

“That glide to third man off a yorker showed how much he has evolved. His game has improved leaps and bounds,” he added, highlighting Iyer’s composure under pressure.

Pathan also praised the Punjab Kings’ squad depth and overall balance. He believes the top order, featuring Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Iyer himself, looks solid, while players like Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh add stability in the middle. The finishing responsibilities will largely fall on the experienced Marcus Stoinis.

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The former all-rounder further pointed to the impact of Mitch Owen as a potential game-changer. In the bowling department, Pathan feels Punjab Kings are well-equipped, with a strong pace attack led by Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, and Lockie Ferguson. With a well-rounded squad and a confident captain in Iyer, the Punjab Kings appear ready to mount a serious title challenge in IPL 2026.