Shreyas Iyer Expresses Interest in Learning Captaincy from Rajat Patidar

Captaincy Success in IPL

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS), has been making notable strides in his role, showcasing impressive leadership in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Previously, he led Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the 2024 season before being released from the team. Following this, Iyer took the captaincy reins at PBKS and guided the squad to the finals of IPL 2025. Currently, he continues to lead Punjab Kings effectively, as the team occupies the top position in the league with nine points from five matches, remaining unbeaten in the ongoing season.

Unexpected Choice for Learning Captaincy

During an interview on Star Sports, when Iyer was asked about which captain he would like to learn from, his response was unexpected. He expressed a desire to absorb knowledge from Rajat Patidar, the skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This choice stood out as he overlooked the more established captains like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

Recent Match Performance

On April 16, Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh showcased their exceptional batting abilities as they led Punjab Kings to a convincing seven-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians. This marked Mumbai’s fourth consecutive defeat in IPL 2026. Despite a robust performance by Quinton de Kock, who scored an impressive 112 not out and formed a 132-run partnership with Naman Dhir (50) for the third wicket, Mumbai Indians could only manage 195 runs for the loss of six wickets in their innings. This total was not enough to contend with the strong batting lineup of Punjab.

Standout Performances in the Match

Prabhsimran Singh capitalized on an early missed catch off the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah, scoring an explosive 80 runs from just 31 balls, which included 11 fours and 2 sixes. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer continued his fine form, registering his third fifty in as many matches with a score of 66 off 35 balls, featuring 5 fours and 4 sixes. The duo formed a formidable partnership, contributing to a substantial 139-run stand for the third wicket.

Match Conclusion

In pursuit of a target of 196 runs, Punjab Kings accomplished the feat with 21 balls remaining, finishing their innings at 198 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. The bowling performance from Mumbai was underwhelming, with Allah Ghazanfar being the only standout bowler, achieving figures of 2 wickets for 31 runs.

This recent match reflects Iyer’s effective captaincy and strategic acumen, further solidifying his position as a leader in the IPL.