IPL 2026: 'Mission is to lift trophy': Shreyas Iyer's bold statement as PBKS eye maiden title
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer emphasizes a present-focused approach, aiming to win the IPL 2026 trophy by taking one game at a time. The team, currently unbeaten in four matches, prioritizes self-improvement over external pressure. Following last season's final loss, PBKS displayed a dominant performance against Mumbai Indians, chasing down 195 with Prabhsimran Singh and Iyer leading the charge.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer has made it clear that while the ultimate goal is to lift the IPL 2026 trophy, the team is firmly focused on staying in the present and taking one game at a time. Under the leadership of Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, PBKS have emerged as one of the standout teams this season. They remain the only unbeaten side so far, having won four of their five matches, with one game washed out due to rain.
Speaking on JioStar, Iyer emphasised the importance of mindset and consistency over long-term thinking. "The mission, obviously, is to lift the trophy. But I always feel that the more you stay in the present, the more you stay in control of what is in your hands at that moment and you just have to go full throttle.
You don't have to think too far ahead or dwell on the past,'' Iyer said. He added that the team is focused on self-improvement rather than external pressure. ''I reiterate the same point to my teammates as well, that when we are out there, we are playing for ourselves, not against the opponents.
We just want to improve each day and make sure we put our best foot forward. When everything comes together and that synergy builds, everything falls into place," he added. PBKS came close to glory last season but fell short in the IPL 2025 final, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six runs at the M.