'I was clueless': PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer breaks silence on 'Sarpnanch' tag

Punjab Kings, last season’s runners-up, remain unbeaten in IPL 2026, with captain Shreyas Iyer playing a key role in their strong start to the season.

Since joining Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer has been in form and is aiming to go further after the team finished second in IPL 2025. Known as ‘Sarpanch’ among the fans of Punjab, Iyer has scored 203 runs in four innings of IPL 2026 at an average of 67.67 and a strike rate of 187.96, with 14 sixes and 14 fours.

Speaking on JioStar, Iyer spoke about the nickname. "I love it. I was clueless at the start of my journey with Punjab Kings about how the 'Sarpanch' tag came up and what it meant. But later, when I asked a couple of my teammates, they explained that 'Sarpanch' means the head of a family, a group, or even a district. That gave me clarity, and from there onwards, my journey started," he said.

Iyer also said that the ultimate goal is to win the IPL trophy, but the team is focusing on staying present and taking things one step at a time. He emphasised playing with full intent in the moment, avoiding distractions from the past or future, and encouraging his teammates to focus on self-improvement.

"The mission, obviously, is to lift the trophy. But I always feel that the more you stay in the present, the more you stay in control of what is in your hands at that moment and you just have to go full throttle. You don't have to think too far ahead or dwell on the past. I reiterate the same point to my teammates as well, that when we are out there, we are playing for ourselves, not against the opponents. We just want to improve each day and make sure we put our best foot forward. When everything comes together and that synergy builds, everything falls into place," Iyer said.

Punjab are the only unbeaten team this season and are at the top of the table with nine points from five matches. Their match against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out, with both teams getting one point.

KKR have only that point so far and are at the bottom with five losses in six matches.

Uncapped batter Prabhsimran Singh has also contributed with 211 runs, averaging over 70 at a strike rate of 172, including 22 fours and 11 sixes.