Punjab Kings all-rounder Marco Jansen has offered a refreshing insight into the team environment under captain Shreyas Iyer, highlighting a leadership style that prioritises clarity, communication, and trust over rigid control. Speaking during a recent media interaction, the 25-year-old South African pacer made it clear that playing under Iyer has been a positive and empowering experience.
Jansen, known for his towering 6’8” frame and ability to generate bounce, praised Iyer’s approach to captaincy, calling him one of the best leaders he has worked with. According to Jansen, Iyer brings structure and intent without imposing a one-size-fits-all method on players.
“Shreyas, as a captain, is definitely up there, if not on top. He’s a pleasure to work with. He knows what he wants from the players and gives us the space to play our natural game,” Marco Jansen said.
What stands out in Iyer’s leadership, as per Jansen, is the open environment he fosters within the Punjab Kings setup. The South African emphasised that communication flows both ways, allowing players to express ideas freely without feeling restricted.
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“It’s never a case of it’s his way or the highway. It doesn’t feel like a dictatorship. He makes everyone feel valued, and that’s very important for a player,” he added.
Jansen also noted that Iyer is highly goal-driven and detail-oriented, something that becomes evident during team meetings and training sessions. This clarity, combined with a willingness to listen, has helped build trust within the squad.
On the field, Jansen has played a flexible role for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026. With five wickets from six matches so far, he has often been used as a first-change bowler, operating after the new-ball pair of Arshdeep Singh and Xavier Bartlett. Despite being more accustomed to opening the bowling, Jansen has adapted seamlessly to different phases of the innings.
“I’m used to bowling with the new ball, but I know I can adapt to any situation. It’s about understanding what the team needs and delivering accordingly,” he explained.
He also credited the bowling unit’s collective belief, stating that players trust the captain’s decisions regardless of when they are introduced into the attack. When it comes to his bowling approach, Jansen stressed adaptability over fixed plans. He believes reading conditions quickly and sticking to core processes is key to success in T20 cricket.
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“There are no preconceived ideas. It’s about assessing conditions and finding the most effective way to contribute on the day,” he concluded.
Jansen’s comments not only highlight Shreyas Iyer’s evolving leadership but also underline the strong team culture Punjab Kings are building in IPL 2026.
