[Watch] IPL 2026: 'Don't think much' - Shreyas Iyer reflects on his 97 in captaincy debut in PBKS vs GT clash in 2025

Shreyas Iyer has taken the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a whole new level after joining the team back in 2025. In their first game against the Gujarat Titans (GT), Iyer announced himself in style by hitting an unbeaten 97 runs in the first innings. He took just 42 deliveries and hit five boundaries and nine sixes. It was a memorable knock by the captain, who got good support from Shashank Singh from the other end.

PBKS went on to win the match by 11 runs, and since then, they have had a strong approach in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They qualified for the finals last year and are on a similar path this season as well. PBKS have emerged as one of the best teams, and that's because of Iyer and his captaincy. While talking to Irfan Pathan, he stated that playing for the team is important and not personal milestones.

Shreyas Iyer opens up on iconic 97 runs against GT

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer was batting on 97 runs when Shashank Singh was on the strike in the last over. It was a confusing moment for the batter as he wanted to pass on the strike to the captain to complete his century. However, keeping the personal milestones away, Iyer chose the team as his priority and asked Shashank to play whatever shots he wanted to so that the score would increase. During a conversation on JioStar, Iyer revealed what he said to Shashank that day.

"Honestly speaking, at that moment I told him to not think much because there were ten balls left. I thought I'll get atleast one ball out of ten to bat. Then in the last over I gave him that sort of believe that it's fine, you can take on, don't think much about my hundred. Back of the mind I had thought that I'll get atleast one ball but he played an entire over. I was happy eventually, we got 240 on the board and it was the first match of the season," said Iyer.

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