Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer said that he wanted to bat at No.3 in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League which might in turn help him find a place in India T20I squad. With the 2026 T20 World Cup looming, Iyer’s performance in his debut season for Punjab Kings can go a long way in the national team considering him for the shortest format.
“We already know that IPL is an integral part of Indian cricket. And If I would want to mark myself at some position in T20, it would be number 3. And that’s what I’m focusing at. I wouldn’t say that we are planning and thinking about what number I will be batting. This time I’m quite clear about that position. And I’m going to be focusing on that number. As long as coach approves of me,” he said.
Iyer, who won the IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders last season, said he was excited to work with Ricky Ponting again after their three-year stint with the Delhi Capitals.
“I’ve worked with him for almost three years in a franchise. And I know how he thinks about every individual on and off the field. He supports everyone. You see in some places there is a senior-junior culture. But when I worked with him for the first time, he made me feel like I’m a great player. And I can easily excel in this format. So, the confidence he gives is of a different level,” Iyer said.
“And it feels good to work with him. If, for example the result has gone here and there, his mind doesn’t fluctuate. He thinks in the same way. And he just likes to win.” And what his shared goal of the partnership with the Australian legend? “The importance is to win the trophy. There is no pressure (of Punjab having never won the IPL). It is an opportunity,” said Iyer.
