Shreyas Iyer Reacts To Winning After Six Straight Losses For Eliminator Spot: 'Support MI...'

Shreyas Iyer expressed immense satisfaction after leading Punjab Kings to a crucial seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in the 2026 Indian Premier League season, saying the result and his maiden IPL century made it a memorable night.

The Punjab skipper remained unbeaten on 101 as his side chased down 197 in Lucknow, keeping their playoff hopes alive and moving them to fourth place in the standings with 15 points.

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During the innings, Iyer also crossed the milestone of 7000 runs in T20 cricket.

“Ecstatic, first hundred of the season, we won eventually after six consecutive losses. Support MI tomorrow,” Iyer said after being named Player of the Match.

The captain praised his bowling attack

for recovering strongly after a difficult opening over and restricting Lucknow to a chaseable total.

“Elated by the bowling performance after going for 16 off the first over, Omarzai bowled brilliantly… It’s all about momentum in this situation. Chahal got a crucial wicket of Pant; he showed his character after leaking runs in the previous game,” he said.

Time And Patience

Shreyas Iyer explained that patience and staying at the crease were central to his batting approach during the high-pressure chase.

“I know if I give myself time in the middle and time the ball, rather than getting on top of the ball… I know I need to stay out there for as long as possible,” he said.

He also credited opening batter Prabhsimran Singh, who scored 69, for building a decisive partnership that shifted momentum firmly in Punjab’s favour.

“Prabhsimran Singh was temperamentally active, and the communication we had was great… surreal feeling, finishing a game and scoring a century, I was in a great mind space, felt super from within. Partnership was crucial, creating momentum in the game,” Iyer said.

The PBKS captain further revealed that the team deliberately avoided lengthy meetings before the must-win contest.

“We just kept it simple, rather than having a meeting and putting pressure on the boys. Free flow of mind is required in crucial games, don’t want to make them overthink, told Ponting we don’t need to do a team meeting,” he added.

(With inputs from Agencies)