“Travesty if ignored” – Ex-India opener backs Shreyas Iyer for India captaincy role amid IPL 2026

“Travesty if ignored” – Ex-India opener backs Shreyas Iyer for India captaincy role amid IPL 2026

Former Indian Cricketer Aakash Chopra Impressed by Punjab Kings Captain Shreyas Iyer

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has heaped praise on Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer for his exceptional performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Chopra has gone a step further by urging the national selectors to include Iyer in the India team and even recommended making him the permanent captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2028.

Punjab Kings Strong Start in the IPL Season

Punjab Kings have kicked off the season on a high note, being one of only two teams in the tournament that have not faced a defeat yet. PBKS began their campaign with impressive victories over Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Although their match against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out, they bounced back with a win against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Aakash Chopra believes that Shreyas Iyer’s ability to control the middle overs effectively in limited-overs cricket is a valuable asset for the team. He emphasized that neglecting Iyer for the Indian national team would be a grave mistake and urged selectors to assign him a leadership role.

Shreyas Iyer’s Potential as India Captain

Chopra expressed his admiration for Iyer’s skills in controlling the middle overs, both in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 matches. He took to social media to share his thoughts, highlighting the importance of including Iyer in India’s T20 setup at the earliest. Chopra even speculated that Iyer could be a strong candidate for the captaincy in the upcoming World Cup.

Although Iyer has not featured in a T20 International for India since the end of 2023, his leadership qualities were evident as he guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a title and led Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish in consecutive seasons.

Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head Set Massive Target for Punjab Kings

In a recent match, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a challenging target of 220 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head showcased a dominant performance, forming a 120-run partnership in just 8.1 overs. Abhishek Sharma reached his half-century in a mere 18 balls, ultimately scoring 74 runs from 28 deliveries.

Despite the strong start by Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings successfully chased down the target with seven deliveries to spare. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provided a solid foundation with a 99-run partnership in the powerplay. Arya’s aggressive batting style allowed him to reach a half-century quickly, scoring 57 from 20 deliveries.

Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 69 off 33 balls ensured Punjab Kings’ victory, with the captain leading from the front with a commanding performance. He was awarded the Player of the Match title and acknowledged the openers for their smart risks that set the tone for the successful chase.

Next, Punjab Kings will face Lucknow Super Giants at the same venue on April 19, aiming to maintain their winning momentum in the IPL season.

Shreyas Iyer’s Impact on Punjab Kings

Shreyas Iyer’s leadership qualities have been a significant factor in Punjab Kings’ success in the IPL so far. The way he marshals his troops on the field, makes strategic decisions, and leads by example with the bat has earned him admiration from fans and experts alike. Iyer’s calm demeanor under pressure and ability to read the game situation effectively have been instrumental in guiding Punjab Kings to crucial victories.

His presence in the middle order provides stability to the team’s batting lineup, allowing the likes of Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Deepak Hooda to play freely around him. Iyer’s astute understanding of his role as a captain and a key batsman adds a layer of confidence to the entire team, instilling belief and determination in his teammates.

Shreyas Iyer’s International Prospects

With Aakash Chopra advocating for Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion in the Indian team, the spotlight is now on the selectors to consider his credentials for a national comeback. Iyer’s consistent performances in the IPL and domestic circuit, coupled with his experience in leading franchise sides, make a strong case for his return to the Indian setup.

Given India’s middle-order woes in limited-overs cricket, Iyer’s inclusion could provide the much-needed stability and firepower in crucial situations. His ability to rotate strike, build partnerships, and accelerate when needed make him a versatile asset in the Indian batting lineup. If he continues his current form in the IPL, it would be hard to ignore his claims for a spot in the national team.

The Rise of Young Talent in Punjab Kings

Aside from Shreyas Iyer’s heroics, Punjab Kings have seen impressive performances from their young contingent, showcasing the depth and talent in their squad. Players like Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Arshdeep Singh have shone brightly in different matches, proving that Punjab Kings have a good mix of experienced players and promising youngsters.

This blend of youth and experience bodes well for the franchise’s future, as these young players gain valuable exposure and learn from seasoned campaigners like Shreyas Iyer, Mayank Agarwal, and Mohammed Shami. The team’s management has done well to nurture and groom these talents, providing them with the platform to showcase their skills on the big stage.

Looking Ahead in the IPL Season

As Punjab Kings gear up to face Lucknow Super Giants in their next fixture, they will be looking to maintain their unbeaten streak and build on the momentum gained from their previous victories. The team’s confidence is riding high, and with Shreyas Iyer leading the charge both as a captain and a batsman, Punjab Kings will be a force to reckon with in the upcoming matches.

Fans and experts alike will be eagerly watching to see if Shreyas Iyer can continue his stellar form and make a strong case for his return to the Indian team. His performances in the IPL will not only impact Punjab Kings’ campaign but also shape his future prospects at the international level, making every innings he plays a crucial audition for a national comeback.

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