The Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer has scored a marvelous century to keep the playoff hopes alive for the Punjab Kings. It was probably the best knock of his IPL career and what a time to bring it up as well. Shreyas Iyer (101*) became the third PBKS captain to hit a century after KL Rahul (132* vs RCB, 2020) and Adam Gilchrist (106 vs RCB, 2011). But being the dominant side they are, they did not hold back from finding the boundary and ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking. The Punjab Kings also had to keep a check on their NRR as well because even if RR lose tomorrow, KKR still has a chance to spoil the party for PBKS.

“I'm ecstatic to be honest. It's my first hundred and came at the right time when the team needed it. We won eventually after six consecutive losses. It's a great positive and I'm just hoping to support MI tomorrow.; Today was one of the days when I felt super. I was in a great mindspace. I knew what I wanted, knew how the wicket was playing,” said Shreyas Iyer during the post-match interview.

PBKS cruise to victory against LSG with splendid century from Shreyas Iyer

During the runchase in the 2nd innings, the Punjab Kings did a great job to not let the required run-rate grow big on them as they kept finding the odd boundary. Prabhsimran Singh did a splendid job from the other end to score a much needed half-century and that gave Shreyas Iyer the opportunity to get settled. It was more of a collective team effort from the side as even in the first innings, they were bowling according to the plans and they controlled the leakage of runs pretty well. Shreyas Iyer will be delighted with how things went in their final league stage outing and tomorrow, the 4th spot will be decided as well.

“We didn't say anything (message to the team), just kept it simple. Rather than having meetings, putting more pressure on the boys. You kinda get lost in the previous losses when you discuss a lot. It's important that you let them be. Free flow of mind is required in crucial matches. You don't want to make them overthink in pressure situations,” added the Punjab Kings skipper.

It wasn’t the easiest of roads for the Punjab Kings to keep their playoff dreams alive as they lost 6 games on the trot. From being unbeaten in the first 7 games to losing 6 games in a row, they really did experience a rollercoaster of emotions. This victory has been a magnificent testimony to their character as well because they have held their nerve when it mattered the most and now all their hopes will be pinned on the Mumbai Indians. In this format of the game, you never know what’s going to happen and tomorrow will be the most awaited day of IPL 2026.