IPL 2026: Turning point for SRH? Dale Steyn makes big claim after CSK win
Dale Steyn claims SRH's win over CSK could be a turning point in IPL 2026.
Ravichandran Ashwin praises Shreyas Iyer for his impressive form and leadership as captain of Punjab Kings. Iyer has led the team to significant successes, including their first IPL final in 11 years and a strong start in IPL 2026.
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Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, highlighting his evolution as both a batter and a leader over the past two years. Ashwin believes Iyer is steadily growing into a captain whom players trust and look up to, crediting his leadership style and consistent performances with the bat as key factors behind Punjabâs success.
Iyerâs leadership journey gained prominence last season when he guided PBKS to their first IPL final in 11 years. His standout knock of an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 not only underlined his batting class but also showcased his ability to deliver under pressure. The win marked PBKSâ first-ever successful 200-plus chase against Mumbai in IPL history.
This season, Iyer has carried that momentum forward. With four wins in five matches (along with one washout), Punjab Kings currently sit atop the IPL 2026 points table.
Creating a âBrotherhoodâ Culture
Ashwin pointed out that Iyerâs biggest strength as a captain lies in the environment he has created within the team.
"Just the comfort that he is creating around the team, to say, we will have a brotherly conversation. It's a brotherhood here. At the end of the day, I have played in teams where there is always that layer that you can't... You are just not able to go up to the captain or the coach and say, 'I will deliver this for you'. And it's happened,'' Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut programme.
"Just the fact that he has kept it simple like how it is being done in your gully or in your tennis-ball game back home, where we do this all the time with our captain or with our friend. That atmosphere is amazing. And I think the way he is batting, he is growing into the role of a leader that the players are looking up to, which is a lethal combination," Ashwin added.
Iyerâs excellent batting form has further strengthened his captaincy. The right-hander has scored 203 runs in five matches this season at a blistering strike rate of 187.96, including scores of 50, 69* and 66 in his last three innings.
According to Ashwin, Iyerâs presence at the crease is now intimidating bowlers.
"His sheer presence (at the crease) is terrifying the bowlers in many ways. And how has he done that? His appetite to be able to upskill himself is sensational. I've played cricket for quite an amount of time. I've interacted with a lot of cricketers, not many have the appetite to be able to leave what they're good at and explore areas where they're weak. You would have seen a lot of careers pan out where people have not worked on their weaknesses at all," he concluded.
Shreyas Iyer has led Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in 11 years and currently has them at the top of the IPL 2026 points table.
In the IPL Qualifier 2, Shreyas Iyer scored an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, helping Punjab Kings achieve their first successful 200-plus chase against Mumbai Indians.
Ravichandran Ashwin commends Shreyas Iyer for his evolution as a leader, noting that players trust and look up to him due to his consistent performances.
Dale Steyn claims SRH's win over CSK could be a turning point in IPL 2026.
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