Shreyas Iyer Backs PBKS Despite Tough Loss to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026

A Resilient Outlook from the PBKS Skipper

In a high-stakes encounter during the 2026 Indian Premier League season, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced a formidable Gujarat Titans outfit at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Despite falling short in the chase, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer took a moment to reflect on the positives, highlighting the unwavering attitude of his squad even in the face of back-to-back defeats. Coming into their ninth game, the runners-up from the 2025 season were eager to reclaim their momentum, yet they found themselves grappling with a disciplined bowling attack that exploited the conditions in Ahmedabad.

Titans’ Bowling Dominance

The Gujarat Titans have emerged as a defensive powerhouse this season, largely thanks to the clinical performances of their bowling unit. Kagiso Rabada, leading the charge with 16 wickets, joined forces with Mohammed Siraj and the versatile Jason Holder to dismantle the Punjab top order. Siraj provided an electric start by dismissing Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly in successive deliveries, forcing Shreyas Iyer to the crease significantly earlier than planned. As Iyer noted, the surface was challenging, and the Titans’ bowlers executed their plans to perfection, keeping the ball at the stumps and denying the batters any width.

The Battle in the Middle

PBKS found themselves in a precarious position at 50/5, but the innings was revitalized by a spirited partnership between Suryansh Sehdge and Marcus Stoinis. The duo added over 70 runs, injecting much-needed momentum into the middle overs. However, the Gujarat bowling depth proved too much to handle, with Rabada and Holder striking at crucial intervals to restrict the Kings to 163. While Marco Jansen was tested for the first time with the bat, the total ultimately proved to be a difficult one to defend against the balanced Gujarat batting order.

A Tactical Chase

The chase was not without its drama. Although Arshdeep Singh removed captain Shubman Gill early, the Titans remained calm under pressure. Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler steadied the ship, and despite a late push from the Punjab bowlers, Washington Sundar and Sudharsan steered the Titans home. The winning moment arrived when Sundar cleared the ropes against Stoinis on the penultimate ball, sealing a well-deserved victory for the Titans.

Iyer’s Take on the Defeat

Following the match, Shreyas Iyer was quick to commend his team’s effort, particularly after the collapse in the powerplay. “To get to 160 from there was a phenomenal effort,” Iyer stated. He acknowledged that the team struggled to hit the required lengths with the new ball, but remained proud of the fighting spirit shown throughout the 20 overs. “We’re still on top of the table, which is what matters. We’ll take positives from this game. It’s a great challenge going forward in the IPL because it tends to bring up the attitude of the bowlers as well.”

Looking Ahead

For the Punjab Kings, this loss serves as a learning curve in an unpredictable tournament. The challenge of playing on diverse pitches across India continues to test the adaptability of the bowlers. Iyer’s leadership remains a cornerstone for the team, as he focuses on maintaining confidence levels and refining their bowling approach for the remaining fixtures. As the IPL 2026 season progresses, the ability to bounce back from such narrow losses will be critical for any title contender.

While the Titans celebrate a tactical masterclass led by their elite bowling combination of Siraj and Rabada, PBKS will look to regroup, keeping their sights firmly set on the playoffs. With the team still positioned at the top of the table, the mood in the dressing room remains one of optimism rather than despair.