Chandigarh, Mar 21: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has set a clear and non-negotiable goal for IPL 2026 — win the title. After falling short in last season’s final, the franchise is entering the new campaign with unfinished business and rising expectations.
PBKS had a strong run in IPL 2025, finishing at the top of the points table before losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It marked yet another missed opportunity for a team that has historically struggled to convert strong seasons into championships. The loss exposed a familiar issue — performing well over the tournament but failing at the final hurdle.
Iyer has openly embraced the pressure instead of avoiding it. He made it clear that expectations are high and justified, and anything less than a title would fall short of the team’s ambitions. That mindset is aggressive, but it also puts the spotlight directly on him as captain.
Punjab Kings remain one of the few franchises yet to win an IPL trophy, alongside Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. That statistic alone adds weight to the current campaign. This isn’t just another season — it’s a test of whether the team can finally break its pattern of underachievement.
Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh echoed a similar sentiment, describing pressure as a privilege rather than a burden. He highlighted the role of fan support, especially in home conditions, and stressed the importance of winning matches in front of their own crowd. That’s a key point — PBKS has often failed to dominate at home, which is a basic requirement for title-winning teams.
The team will begin its IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 31 in New Chandigarh.
A strong start will be crucial, not just for points, but for momentum and belief.
Here’s the reality — talking about winning the title is easy. PBKS has been in this position before and failed. The difference this time will come down to execution under pressure, especially in knockout games.
If Iyer and his team can handle that, they have a real shot. If not, this will just be another season of “almost” — and that’s exactly what they need to avoid.