IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer credits Shashank Singh for breaking SRH's momentum
A captain's trust in a part-timer, Shashank Singh, proved pivotal as he dismissed both Sunrisers openers, shifting the game's momentum. Sunrisers bowling coach acknowledged the absence of Pat Cummins and admitted their innings fell short of expectations, despite a strong start, crediting Punjab's bowlers for their effective middle-overs performance.
MULLANPUR: In a game dominated by big hits and rapid shifts in momentum, it was a quieter moment of trust that stood out. Shreyas Iyer, reading the situation rather than the script, turned to part-timer Shashank Singh for an over at a time when Sunrisers openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head were taking apart the frontline Punjab bowlers with ease. It wasn’t the most obvious move in a high-scoring contest, but it reflected a captain willing to back instinct and a player ready to take responsibility.
That brief exchange in the middle overs, as Iyer would later explain, ended up shaping the course of the game. “All of us came together, and Shashank approached me and said, ‘give me an over’. Ricky Ponting came and asked me, ‘what’s your thoughts?
I said, ‘I’ll go with Shashank. ’ I needed someone to take the pace off,” Iyer said, recalling the moment that shifted momentum. That faith was rewarded instantly as Shashank sent back both the Sunrisers openers.
“He lived up to my expectations; he lived up to what he said, kudos to him. At the end of the day, we all know we’ve got the skills. All we need is a strong mindset,” Iyer added.