Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

If they can score 265, we can chase this: Yuzvendra Chahal opens up on skipper Shreyas Iyer’s words of encouragement during clash against DC

Special: Yuzvendra Chahal credited Shreyas Iyer’s fearless mindset for Punjab Kings’ record-breaking 265 chase, revealing how the skipper told the team to “just believe.” Backed by coach Ricky Ponting’s positive culture, PBKS have transformed into a confident unit where players play without fear, turning impossible targets into historic wins.

Following the Punjab Kings' record-breaking chase against Delhi Capitals on 25 April 2026, Yuzvendra Chahal praised skipper Shreyas Iyer for his unwavering positivity and "bowler's captain" approach. Chahal revealed that even when faced with chasing a massive target of 265, Iyer kept the dressing room atmosphere light and optimistic. Chahal noted that Iyer’s own confidence has reached a "different level" this season, which has trickled down to the rest of the squad. 

“After we entered the dressing room, so Shreyas told like chin up, and if they score 265, we can score this. And he says wicket was very nice, so just they just believe in themselves and the way our openers are batting, and we never thought like, oh, we can't chase this.”

Chahal highlighted how Iyer provides complete confidence to his bowling unit. Chahal mentioned that there is "nothing much" from Iyer's side that adds pressure; instead, he trusts the bowlers to handle their four overs.Iyer himself admitted to making "instinctive moves" during the game to prevent new batsmen from settling. PBKS batter Shashank Singh credited both Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting for changing the team's mindset and belief system. Chahal previously described Iyer as an "open-minded" leader who actively listens to advice from both senior and junior players. 

Yuzvendra Chahal talks about PBKS’ winning streak, credits management and skipper 

Yuzvendra Chahal has attributed the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) dominant, undefeated start in the IPL 2026 season to a culture of positivity fostered by head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer. Speaking after PBKS’ historic chase of 265 runs against the Delhi Capitals, the highest successful chase in T20 history. Chahal noted that the management's focus on maintaining a positive environment has been critical. The management has implemented a "one-team" culture where senior stars like Chahal and supporting staff (including the team bus driver) are treated with equal respect.

“I think the freedom we get from the management and our captain, our coach, like you know, to express whatever you have in you. I think this is the main thing and we always put our team first.”

Chahal credited Shreyas Iyer for ensuring no player thinks about failure, stating that Iyer’s instruction was to "think positively" regardless of the situation. He praised Ricky Ponting for his "massive influence" on younger players, particularly Prabhsimran Singh, whose fearless batting has been a cornerstone of their success.