Entertainment was at its peak in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) contest between hosts Punjab Kings (PBKS) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) as it served another high-scoring thriller. Playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, PBKS beat SRH by six wickets to maintain their unbeaten streak in IPL 2026. Chasing 220 runs to win, PBKS batters were in impressive form as they helped their side win the match with seven balls to spare.<h2>PBKS chase down 220</h2>Openers Priyansh Arya, who hit 57 from 20 balls, and Prabhsimran Singh (51) set up Punjab's chase of 220 in a stand of 99 before Iyer played anchor and then bossed the opposition bowling in Chandigarh. It was Punjab's 10th chase of over 200 in the T20 tournament.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;Punjab registered their third win in four matches to stay unbeaten in this edition of the 10-team tournament. They shared one point with the Kolkata Knight Riders in one rain-affected match. Left-handed Arya came out roaring as he hit a string of fours and sixes to dominate the first six overs of powerplay with good support from Prabhsimran. But the two departed in quick succession to left-arm wrist spinner Shivang Kumar, who also dismissed Cooper Connolly for 11 to finish with 33/3.&nbsp;Those wickets dented the chase, but Iyer steadied the ship with his well-crafted knock as he put on 69 with impact substitute Nehal Wadhera. Iyer changed gears after the 14th over and reached his fifty off 24 balls as Punjab closed in on their target despite Wadhera missing a straight one from Harsh Dubey to be bowled for 14. Shashank Singh joined the captain and hit the winning four in his unbeaten 14 to cap off a fine all-round show after he returned bowling figures of 20/2.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a><h2>What happened in SRH innings?</h2>Earlier, Hyderabad posted 219/6 after openers Abhishek Sharma, who hit 74 off 28 balls, and Travis Head (38) put on 120 for the first wicket. Abhishek tore into the opposition attack and raised his fifty off 18 balls. His 74 included eight sixes and five fours. Australian batter Head joined in the charge with hits all around the ground.&nbsp;Medium-pace bowler Shashank slowed the momentum by removing both openers in &nbsp;three balls in his first over, with Head mishitting to long-on and Abhishek holing out to deep extra cover. Heinrich Klaasen attempted to get things moving again with his 33-ball 39 with some help from skipper Ishan Kishan, who hit 27, but Hyderabad suffered from regular fall of wickets.&nbsp;

Playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, Punjab Kings (PBKS) beat SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets to maintain their unbeaten streak in IPL 2026.

Entertainment was at its peak in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) contest between hosts Punjab Kings (PBKS) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) as it served another high-scoring thriller. Playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, PBKS beat SRH by six wickets to maintain their unbeaten streak in IPL 2026. Chasing 220 runs to win, PBKS batters were in impressive form as they helped their side win the match with seven balls to spare. PBKS chase down 220 Openers Priyansh Arya, who hit 57 from 20 balls, and Prabhsimran Singh (51) set up Punjab's chase of 220 in a stand of 99 before Iyer played anchor and then bossed the opposition bowling in Chandigarh. It was Punjab's 10th chase of over 200 in the T20 tournament. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Punjab registered their third win in four matches to stay unbeaten in this edition of the 10-team tournament. They shared one point with the Kolkata Knight Riders in one rain-affected match. Left-handed Arya came out roaring as he hit a string of fours and sixes to dominate the first six overs of powerplay with good support from Prabhsimran. But the two departed in quick succession to left-arm wrist spinner Shivang Kumar, who also dismissed Cooper Connolly for 11 to finish with 33/3. Those wickets dented the chase, but Iyer steadied the ship with his well-crafted knock as he put on 69 with impact substitute Nehal Wadhera. Iyer changed gears after the 14th over and reached his fifty off 24 balls as Punjab closed in on their target despite Wadhera missing a straight one from Harsh Dubey to be bowled for 14. Shashank Singh joined the captain and hit the winning four in his unbeaten 14 to cap off a fine all-round show after he returned bowling figures of 20/2. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions What happened in SRH innings? Earlier, Hyderabad posted 219/6 after openers Abhishek Sharma, who hit 74 off 28 balls, and Travis Head (38) put on 120 for the first wicket. Abhishek tore into the opposition attack and raised his fifty off 18 balls. His 74 included eight sixes and five fours. Australian batter Head joined in the charge with hits all around the ground. Medium-pace bowler Shashank slowed the momentum by removing both openers in three balls in his first over, with Head mishitting to long-on and Abhishek holing out to deep extra cover. Heinrich Klaasen attempted to get things moving again with his 33-ball 39 with some help from skipper Ishan Kishan, who hit 27, but Hyderabad suffered from regular fall of wickets.

Playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, Punjab Kings (PBKS) beat SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets to maintain their unbeaten streak in IPL 2026.

IPL 2026: Ruthless Punjab continue winning streak, beat Hyderabad in high-scoring thriller

Undefeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) took the field on Saturday (April 11) as they faced SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) at home. Playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, PBKS players were seen wearing black armbands. The 2025 IPL runners-up wore black armbands in solidarity with the victims of the Vrindavan boat tragedy, where at least 10 people lost their lives.

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<h2>PBKS wear black armbands</h2>“Punjab Kings players wore black armbands during today's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh, on Saturday, as a mark of respect for those affected by the tragic boat accident in Vrindavan. The franchise stands in solidarity with the grieving families and the community during this difficult time,” PBKS wrote on its social media handle.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;A tragedy unfolded in the Mathura district on Friday afternoon when a group of over 30 visitors, mostly from Jagraon town in Ludhiana, hired the boat at Keshi Ghat for a joyride. Ten people lost their lives, while 22 others were rescued after a pilgrimage turned tragic for visitors, primarily from Punjab, after their boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Vrindavan.&nbsp;To show support and solidarity for the devotees from Punjab, the franchise decided to wear black armbands. All players on the field, including captain Shreyas Iyer, paid their tribute to the victims while others also joined hands.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a><h2>What happened in the match?</h2>Entertainment was at its peak as SRH and PBKS served another high-scoring thriller. Playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, PBKS beat SRH by six wickets to maintain their unbeaten streak in IPL 2026. Chasing 220 runs to win, PBKS batters were in impressive form as they helped their side win the match with seven balls to spare.

Playing at the PCA Satdium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, PBKS players were seen wearing black armbands. The 2025 IPL runners-up wore black armbands in solidarity with the victims of the Vrindavan boat tragedy, where at least 10 people lost their lives.

Undefeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) took the field on Saturday (April 11) as they faced SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) at home. Playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, PBKS players were seen wearing black armbands. The 2025 IPL runners-up wore black armbands in solidarity with the victims of the Vrindavan boat tragedy, where at least 10 people lost their lives.

Playing at the PCA Satdium, Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, PBKS players were seen wearing black armbands. The 2025 IPL runners-up wore black armbands in solidarity with the victims of the Vrindavan boat tragedy, where at least 10 people lost their lives.

IPL 2026: Punjab Kings pay tribute to Vrindavan tragedy victims, wear black armbands vs SRH in solidarity

From CSK to RCB here is a look at five teams with most 200-plus totals in the Indian Premier League. The list also features the likes of PBKS, MI and KKR.

From CSK to RCB, 5 teams with most 200-plus totals in IPL history

From Chennai Super Kings to Delhi Capitals here is a list of five teams with most wins vs Mumbai Indians in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. The list contains the likes of Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Benglauru and Rajasthan Royals.

From Chennai Super Kings to Delhi Capitals, 5 teams with most wins vs Mumbai Indians in IPL

Punjab Kings took top spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) standings after registering consecutive wins after beating Chennai Super Kings. Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, PBKS defeated CSK by five wickets in their first home match of the season. Shreyas Iyer (50), Prabhsimran Singh (43) and other batters helped PBKS continue their flawless record as they came in handy in the first away assignment of the season.<h2>PBKS continue fine form</h2>Put in, Chennai overcame the second-over dismissal of Sanju Samson, caught behind off Xavier Bartlett, to post a competitive 209-5 on a good batting strip at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Punjab responded with 210-5, a record-extending ninth time they had successfully chased a target in excess of 200 in the IPL.&nbsp;Ayush Mhatre, India’s under-19 World Cup-winning captain, provided the early momentum for Chennai with a blazing 73 off 43 deliveries, Sarfaraz Khan bossed the middle overs with a 12-ball 32 and the final kick came from Shivam Dube, 14 from 14 at one stage before finishing unbeaten on 45 off 27.&nbsp;Mhatre took five deliveries to get off the mark but once he found his bearings, he peppered the ground with a bouquet of delectable fours and powerful sixes. Fortunate to be dropped on 59 and 67, both times off seasoned leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal who surprisingly bowled only three overs, he otherwise hardly put a foot wrong while dominating a second-wicket stand of 96 with his captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad.&nbsp;Punjab fought back with the wickets of Gaikwad, Mhatre and Kartik Sharma in quick succession but Sarfaraz uncorked a cheeky cameo and Dube cut loose towards the end, largely responsible for 64 runs flowing off the last five overs. Fresh off a three-wicket win against Gujarat Titans, Punjab attacked the target furiously through Priyansh Arya, the left-handed opener who unleashed a flurry of fours and sixes.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a>&nbsp;Prabhsimran Singh too played his part in an opening stand worth 61, though it was Arya who bossed the early exchanges while smashing three fours and four sixes in an 11-ball 39. Punjab continued to string together useful partnerships. Prabhsimran and Cooper Connolly put on 34 for the second wicket, after which Connolly helped Shreyas add 32, but when the Australian was caught off an Anshul Kamboj full toss, Punjab still needed 83 off 49 deliveries.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;That was the cue for Shreyas to announce himself. The captain picked off leg-spinner Rahul Chahar for two sixes in the 13th over and followed it up with a four and six off New Zealand pacer Matt Henry in the 15th to bring up his fifty in just 26 deliveries. Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh steered Punjab home with eight balls to spare, consigning Chennai to a second successive defeat.

Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, PBKS defeated CSK by five wickets in their first home match of the season. Shreyas Iyer (50), Prabhsimran Singh (43) and other batters helped PBKS continue their flawless record as they came in handy in the first away assignment of the season.

Punjab Kings took top spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) standings after registering consecutive wins after beating Chennai Super Kings. Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, PBKS defeated CSK by five wickets in their first home match of the season. Shreyas Iyer (50), Prabhsimran Singh (43) and other batters helped PBKS continue their flawless record as they came in handy in the first away assignment of the season. PBKS continue fine form Put in, Chennai overcame the second-over dismissal of Sanju Samson, caught behind off Xavier Bartlett, to post a competitive 209-5 on a good batting strip at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Punjab responded with 210-5, a record-extending ninth time they had successfully chased a target in excess of 200 in the IPL. Ayush Mhatre, India’s under-19 World Cup-winning captain, provided the early momentum for Chennai with a blazing 73 off 43 deliveries, Sarfaraz Khan bossed the middle overs with a 12-ball 32 and the final kick came from Shivam Dube, 14 from 14 at one stage before finishing unbeaten on 45 off 27. Mhatre took five deliveries to get off the mark but once he found his bearings, he peppered the ground with a bouquet of delectable fours and powerful sixes. Fortunate to be dropped on 59 and 67, both times off seasoned leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal who surprisingly bowled only three overs, he otherwise hardly put a foot wrong while dominating a second-wicket stand of 96 with his captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad. Punjab fought back with the wickets of Gaikwad, Mhatre and Kartik Sharma in quick succession but Sarfaraz uncorked a cheeky cameo and Dube cut loose towards the end, largely responsible for 64 runs flowing off the last five overs. Fresh off a three-wicket win against Gujarat Titans, Punjab attacked the target furiously through Priyansh Arya, the left-handed opener who unleashed a flurry of fours and sixes. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions Prabhsimran Singh too played his part in an opening stand worth 61, though it was Arya who bossed the early exchanges while smashing three fours and four sixes in an 11-ball 39. Punjab continued to string together useful partnerships. Prabhsimran and Cooper Connolly put on 34 for the second wicket, after which Connolly helped Shreyas add 32, but when the Australian was caught off an Anshul Kamboj full toss, Punjab still needed 83 off 49 deliveries. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL That was the cue for Shreyas to announce himself. The captain picked off leg-spinner Rahul Chahar for two sixes in the 13th over and followed it up with a four and six off New Zealand pacer Matt Henry in the 15th to bring up his fifty in just 26 deliveries. Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh steered Punjab home with eight balls to spare, consigning Chennai to a second successive defeat.

Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, PBKS defeated CSK by five wickets in their first home match of the season. Shreyas Iyer (50), Prabhsimran Singh (43) and other batters helped PBKS continue their flawless record as they came in handy in the first away assignment of the season.

IPL 2026: Batters shine for Punjab to continue fine form, Chennai suffer back-to-back defeats

For 23-year-old Suryansh Shedge, the breakthrough moment in his cricketing journey didn’t come quietly, it arrived with silverware and self-belief. The Punjab Kings all-rounder points to last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) as the defining phase of his career so far. Being part of a championship-winning side and contributing meaningfully didn’t just add to his resume, it reshaped his mindset. “It helped me believe in myself a lot more,” Shedge told WION in an exclusive interview. “I came out as a match-winner, and that instilled a lot of self-belief in me.”&nbsp;That confidence has since translated into a more structured and mature approach to his game, particularly as an all-rounder balancing both bat and ball. Shedge stresses the importance of workload management and understanding one’s body, calling it a crucial aspect of growth at this stage. “When you’re going batting-heavy in practice, you need to tone down your bowling and vice versa,” he explains, highlighting the fine balance required to maintain peak performance in both disciplines.<h2>Batting is reaction: Suryansh Shedge</h2>Equally important, he says, is the mental switch. “When you enter a match, think like a batter when you’re batting and a bowler when you’re bowling.” It’s a simple philosophy, but one that has helped him stay clear-headed and role-specific in high-intensity situations. And when the pressure peaks, tight chases, closing overs, Shedge leans on clarity rather than chaos. “In close finishes, the bowling side is under more pressure,” he says. “Batting is reaction. I just need to back my strengths, stay in the present, and keep my cool.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-cooper-connolly-australia-s-new-star-connolly-s-journey-from-bbl-hero-to-ipl-2026-match-winner-for-pbks-vs-gt-1775016231025">Ricky Ponting’s ₹3 Crore auction masterstroke: Cooper Connolly announces IPL arrival with stunning 72 for Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans</a><h2>Everyone has different approaches: Shedge on players' mindset of Punjab Kings</h2>It’s this composure that allows him to break down even daunting scenarios. “If you need 12 off 3, even if you miss one ball, you still have two. It’s about focusing on the task at hand.” Looking ahead, Shedge, JSW athlete, is focused on breaking consistently into the senior national setup. His approach is methodical, working on situational awareness and dissecting his game into smaller, manageable improvements. “I’m trying to break things down and give individual time to every aspect,” he says, underlining a process-driven mindset rather than chasing quick results.&nbsp;The IPL, meanwhile, has added another dimension to his development. Sharing a dressing room with global stars at Punjab Kings has exposed him to diverse methods, mindsets, and preparation styles. “Everyone has different approaches. You observe, learn, and take what works for you,” he says. “It has helped me a lot in terms of knowledge and attitude.” In a team environment where every player strives to be a match-winner, Shedge has found both inspiration and direction.

IPL 2026: PBKS all-rounder Suryansh Shedge credits SMAT for self-belief, says ‘I came out as a match-winner’

For 23-year-old Suryansh Shedge, the breakthrough moment in his cricketing journey didn’t come quietly, it arrived with silverware and self-belief. The Punjab Kings all-rounder points to last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) as the defining phase of his career so far. Being part of a championship-winning side and contributing meaningfully didn’t just add to his resume, it reshaped his mindset. “It helped me believe in myself a lot more,” Shedge told WION in an exclusive interview. “I came out as a match-winner, and that instilled a lot of self-belief in me.” That confidence has since translated into a more structured and mature approach to his game, particularly as an all-rounder balancing both bat and ball. Shedge stresses the importance of workload management and understanding one’s body, calling it a crucial aspect of growth at this stage. “When you’re going batting-heavy in practice, you need to tone down your bowling and vice versa,” he explains, highlighting the fine balance required to maintain peak performance in both disciplines. Batting is reaction: Suryansh Shedge Equally important, he says, is the mental switch. “When you enter a match, think like a batter when you’re batting and a bowler when you’re bowling.” It’s a simple philosophy, but one that has helped him stay clear-headed and role-specific in high-intensity situations. And when the pressure peaks, tight chases, closing overs, Shedge leans on clarity rather than chaos. “In close finishes, the bowling side is under more pressure,” he says. “Batting is reaction. I just need to back my strengths, stay in the present, and keep my cool.” Also Read: Ricky Ponting’s ₹3 Crore auction masterstroke: Cooper Connolly announces IPL arrival with stunning 72 for Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans Everyone has different approaches: Shedge on players' mindset of Punjab Kings It’s this composure that allows him to break down even daunting scenarios. “If you need 12 off 3, even if you miss one ball, you still have two. It’s about focusing on the task at hand.” Looking ahead, Shedge, JSW athlete, is focused on breaking consistently into the senior national setup. His approach is methodical, working on situational awareness and dissecting his game into smaller, manageable improvements. “I’m trying to break things down and give individual time to every aspect,” he says, underlining a process-driven mindset rather than chasing quick results. The IPL, meanwhile, has added another dimension to his development. Sharing a dressing room with global stars at Punjab Kings has exposed him to diverse methods, mindsets, and preparation styles. “Everyone has different approaches. You observe, learn, and take what works for you,” he says. “It has helped me a lot in terms of knowledge and attitude.” In a team environment where every player strives to be a match-winner, Shedge has found both inspiration and direction.

Suryansh Shedge credits Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph for his rise, highlighting self-belief, composure under pressure, and IPL learnings shaping his all-round game

The IPL 2026 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Gujarat Titans (GT) in New Chandigarh on Tuesday (Mar 31) saw a new Australian star announcing his arrival on the biggest stage. PBKS' all-rounder Cooper Connolly scored 72 unbeaten runs off just 44 balls on his IPL debut and <a href="The Aussie all-rounder was bought by Punjab Kings, coached by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, for INR 3 crore in mini auction in December 2025 ahead of the IPL 2026.">rescued his team from a mid-match collapse</a>. PBKS eventually won three wickets in chase of 163 in 19.1 overs and Connolly was rightfully awarded Player of the Match (POTM) award. Connolly, a highly talent and looked after player in Australia, showed his pedigree as his team succumbed to 118/6 from 83/1 in space of about 30 balls, thanks to fiery spell by GT's Prasidh Krishna.<h2>Who is Cooper Connolly?</h2>Cooper Connolly is a highly rated Australian all-rounder who has played all three formats for the Australian national team. He was born in Perth in 2003 and modeled himself after former Aussie batter Shaun Marsh. Connolly bats left handed and bowls left-arm orthodox spin as well. He captained Australia U-19 at 2022 ODI World Cup which was followed by a deal from Peth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL).<h2>Cooper Connolly in BBL Final 2023</h2>In his second T20 innings only, Connolly hit 11-ball 25 not out with one four and two sixes to lead Perth to BBL title in Feb 2023 vs Brisbane Heat.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suryakumar-yadav-sky-makes-dhurandhar-remark-to-jasprit-bumrah-as-mumbai-indians-mi-dressing-room-bursts-out-laughing-watch-video-ipl-2026-1774972910069">SKY makes ‘Dhurandhar’ remark to Bumrah as MI camp erupts laughing</a>He made his First Class debut for Western Australia an year later, in March 2024, and made 90 in his maiden innings. A white-ball debut for Australia followed in September 2024 on tour of England and Scotland. He was also handed the Test debut in Feb 2025 on tour of Sri Lanka.Overall, he has played 1 Test, 8 ODIs, and 11 T20Is for Australia, scoring 4, 94, and 28 runs respectively, and taking 6 &amp; 3 wickets in his ODI and T20I career as well.<h2>Cooper Connolly in IPL 2026 auction</h2>The Aussie all-rounder was bought by Punjab Kings, coached by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, for INR 3 crore in mini auction in December 2025 ahead of the IPL 2026.&nbsp;

The Aussie all-rounder was bought by Punjab Kings, coached by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, for INR 3 crore in mini auction in December 2025 ahead of the IPL 2026.

The IPL 2026 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Gujarat Titans (GT) in New Chandigarh on Tuesday (Mar 31) saw a new Australian star announcing his arrival on the biggest stage. PBKS' all-rounder Cooper Connolly scored 72 unbeaten runs off just 44 balls on his IPL debut and rescued his team from a mid-match collapse. PBKS eventually won three wickets in chase of 163 in 19.1 overs and Connolly was rightfully awarded Player of the Match (POTM) award. Connolly, a highly talent and looked after player in Australia, showed his pedigree as his team succumbed to 118/6 from 83/1 in space of about 30 balls, thanks to fiery spell by GT's Prasidh Krishna. Who is Cooper Connolly? Cooper Connolly is a highly rated Australian all-rounder who has played all three formats for the Australian national team. He was born in Perth in 2003 and modeled himself after former Aussie batter Shaun Marsh. Connolly bats left handed and bowls left-arm orthodox spin as well. He captained Australia U-19 at 2022 ODI World Cup which was followed by a deal from Peth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL). Cooper Connolly in BBL Final 2023 In his second T20 innings only, Connolly hit 11-ball 25 not out with one four and two sixes to lead Perth to BBL title in Feb 2023 vs Brisbane Heat. Also Watch - SKY makes ‘Dhurandhar’ remark to Bumrah as MI camp erupts laughing He made his First Class debut for Western Australia an year later, in March 2024, and made 90 in his maiden innings. A white-ball debut for Australia followed in September 2024 on tour of England and Scotland. He was also handed the Test debut in Feb 2025 on tour of Sri Lanka. Overall, he has played 1 Test, 8 ODIs, and 11 T20Is for Australia, scoring 4, 94, and 28 runs respectively, and taking 6 & 3 wickets in his ODI and T20I career as well. Cooper Connolly in IPL 2026 auction The Aussie all-rounder was bought by Punjab Kings, coached by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, for INR 3 crore in mini auction in December 2025 ahead of the IPL 2026.

The Aussie all-rounder was bought by Punjab Kings, coached by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, for INR 3 crore in mini auction in December 2025 ahead of the IPL 2026.

Ricky Ponting’s ₹3 Crore auction masterstroke: Cooper Connolly announces IPL arrival with stunning 72 for Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans

23-year-old Harnoor Singh Pannu is keeping it simple as he steps into the upcoming IPL 2026 season with Punjab Kings, and his approach can be summed up in three words. He underlines the importance of composure in a format where games can turn in a matter of overs. For the youngster, it all begins with what he calls his personal ‘3 B’s’ formula — breath, balance, belief.<h2>What is Harnoor’s approach for IPL?</h2>"I have been working a lot on my breathing. When you go into a new environment, a lot is going on in your mind. You have to stay calm and be in the present," Harnoor explains, offering a glimpse into his mental preparation for the IPL spotlight. Flexibility is another pillar of his game. Rather than locking himself into a fixed role, he is ready to adapt.Whatever the team needs, whatever the situation is, he is quite flexible like that. He can bat anywhere, top order or down the order, emphasizing a team-first mindset.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-rcb-suffer-major-blow-with-yash-dayal-pulling-out-for-personal-reasons-1774344939260">IPL 2026: RCB suffer major blow with Yash Dayal pulling out for personal reasons</a><h2>Who is Harnoor Singh Pannu's inspiration?</h2>Within the squad, senior players have already made an impact. Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh have been very influential, he shares. In particular, his conversations with Arshdeep Singh have helped him understand the mental side of the game better, focusing on how to come out of situations when things are not going your way.&nbsp;Despite the hype surrounding the IPL, Harnoor isn’t looking too far ahead. He likes staying in the present and doesn’t want to think too far, instead focusing on making the most of the opportunity. As he prepares for his stint with Punjab Kings, the focus remains clear, control the mind, trust the process, and let the game follow. The more he focuses on his breathing and staying present, the better results he believes will come.

23-year-old Harnoor Pannu banks on calmness, flexibility, and mental strength as he gears up for the upcoming IPL 2026 season  with Punjab Kings

23-year-old Harnoor Singh Pannu is keeping it simple as he steps into the upcoming IPL 2026 season with Punjab Kings, and his approach can be summed up in three words. He underlines the importance of composure in a format where games can turn in a matter of overs. For the youngster, it all begins with what he calls his personal ‘3 B’s’ formula — breath, balance, belief. What is Harnoor’s approach for IPL? "I have been working a lot on my breathing. When you go into a new environment, a lot is going on in your mind. You have to stay calm and be in the present," Harnoor explains, offering a glimpse into his mental preparation for the IPL spotlight. Flexibility is another pillar of his game. Rather than locking himself into a fixed role, he is ready to adapt. Whatever the team needs, whatever the situation is, he is quite flexible like that. He can bat anywhere, top order or down the order, emphasizing a team-first mindset. Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB suffer major blow with Yash Dayal pulling out for personal reasons Who is Harnoor Singh Pannu's inspiration? Within the squad, senior players have already made an impact. Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh have been very influential, he shares. In particular, his conversations with Arshdeep Singh have helped him understand the mental side of the game better, focusing on how to come out of situations when things are not going your way. Despite the hype surrounding the IPL, Harnoor isn’t looking too far ahead. He likes staying in the present and doesn’t want to think too far, instead focusing on making the most of the opportunity. As he prepares for his stint with Punjab Kings, the focus remains clear, control the mind, trust the process, and let the game follow. The more he focuses on his breathing and staying present, the better results he believes will come.

23-year-old Harnoor Pannu banks on calmness, flexibility, and mental strength as he gears up for the upcoming IPL 2026 season &nbsp;with Punjab Kings

'3 B’s to beat pressure: Breath, balance and belief — Harnoor Pannu’s IPL 2026 formula for success

Punjab Kings (PBKS) look to have one of the strongest squads going into the 19th season of the Indian Premier League. Here's who all made it to their final 25 for IPL 2026.

IPL 2026: Check out PBKS final squad; batters, bowlers, keepers and more

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer opened up about his recovery struggle after suffering a spleen injury in the third ODI of India’s Australia tour, which caused him to lose nearly seven kilograms and sidelined him for months. At one point, he was even admitted to the ICU in a Sydney hospital before being discharged. Speaking at an event in Mohali ahead of IPL 2026, Iyer said returning after such an injury was not easy and explained that although he regained fitness in about two months, but putting the lost weight back on required a lot of effort. He added that he enjoys challenges and felt proud to overcome this phase and return to playing, including representing India again in a recent series.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around seven kg due to the injury, it was a severe one,” Iyer said in Mohali, ahead of the start of IPL 2026 next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thankfully, I was back in good shape after two months. But gaining those 7 kg back took a lot of effort. I enjoy challenges, and that was one I had to overcome. I’m glad I came through that phase and am back representing my team, and also having represented India in the previous series. I feel proud of myself.”&nbsp;Also Read -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkr-coach-abhishek-nayar-provides-major-update-on-harshit-rana-s-replacement-check-details-1774015868607"> KKR coach Abhishek Nayar provides major update on Harshit Rana’s replacement</a>&nbsp;After leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and taking Punjab Kings to the final in 2025, expectations are high from Iyer this season. He said the team’s main goal is to win the trophy and that he enjoys the pressure that comes with it.&nbsp;“Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy,” Iyer said before opening up on the importance of team bonding activities.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-major-setback-for-pbks-as-lockie-ferguson-to-miss-start-of-season-1774008942360">IPL 2026: Major setback for PBKS as Lockie Ferguson to miss start of season</a>&nbsp;Iyer also highlighted the importance of team bonding and said that spending time together helps players understand each other better. He mentioned that much of their free time is spent playing games like FIFA, while match strategies are usually discussed before to match days. According to him, building strong relationships off the field eventually leads to better performances on it. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is the period where we live as a family for two months. The more time we spend together, the more we get to know each other. Now is the time where we build that camaraderie. We spend most of our time in the game room, playing FIFA and other games. The planning and plotting for matches usually happens a day or two before the game, but building this bond off the field helps us get better results eventually,” he added.

Shreyas Iyer has returned from a challenging injury break and is ready to lead Punjab Kings once again, focusing on taking the team a step further in IPL 2026.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer opened up about his recovery struggle after suffering a spleen injury in the third ODI of India’s Australia tour, which caused him to lose nearly seven kilograms and sidelined him for months. At one point, he was even admitted to the ICU in a Sydney hospital before being discharged. Speaking at an event in Mohali ahead of IPL 2026, Iyer said returning after such an injury was not easy and explained that although he regained fitness in about two months, but putting the lost weight back on required a lot of effort. He added that he enjoys challenges and felt proud to overcome this phase and return to playing, including representing India again in a recent series. “It’s always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around seven kg due to the injury, it was a severe one,” Iyer said in Mohali, ahead of the start of IPL 2026 next week. “Thankfully, I was back in good shape after two months. But gaining those 7 kg back took a lot of effort. I enjoy challenges, and that was one I had to overcome. I’m glad I came through that phase and am back representing my team, and also having represented India in the previous series. I feel proud of myself.” Also Read - KKR coach Abhishek Nayar provides major update on Harshit Rana’s replacement After leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and taking Punjab Kings to the final in 2025, expectations are high from Iyer this season. He said the team’s main goal is to win the trophy and that he enjoys the pressure that comes with it. “Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy,” Iyer said before opening up on the importance of team bonding activities. Also Read - IPL 2026: Major setback for PBKS as Lockie Ferguson to miss start of season Iyer also highlighted the importance of team bonding and said that spending time together helps players understand each other better. He mentioned that much of their free time is spent playing games like FIFA, while match strategies are usually discussed before to match days. According to him, building strong relationships off the field eventually leads to better performances on it. “This is the period where we live as a family for two months. The more time we spend together, the more we get to know each other. Now is the time where we build that camaraderie. We spend most of our time in the game room, playing FIFA and other games. The planning and plotting for matches usually happens a day or two before the game, but building this bond off the field helps us get better results eventually,” he added.

Shreyas Iyer has returned from a challenging injury break and is ready to lead Punjab Kings once again, focusing on taking the team a step further in IPL 2026.

‘Took a lot of effort….’: Shreyas Iyer on injury recovery ahead of IPL 2026

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the opening phase of IPL 2026, starting on Mar 28. The Punjab Kings pacer is currently representing the Blackcaps in a five-match T20I series against South Africa. He recently returned from a short paternity break after the birth of his child, having taken time off during the T20 World Cup 2026 before rejoining the squad in the Super 8 stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 34-year-old recently shared that having a newborn has changed his priorities and he wants to spend more time at home while still managing his cricket career. Ferguson further added that he will take a few weeks off after the current series and then join Punjab Kings later in the IPL season.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-suffer-early-setback-as-mitchell-starc-set-to-miss-initial-stage-of-ipl-2026-1773993183628">Delhi Capitals suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;"Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out. I'll have a few weeks off after this, before sort of heading to the later stages of the IPL and away for the winter," Lockie Ferguson said before the third T20I against South Africa.&nbsp;In the second T20I against South Africa, he performed well and picked up three wickets for 16 runs in a comfortable win for New Zealand. After the third match, he plans to take a longer break.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-boost-for-kkr-as-matheesha-pathirana-declared-fit-ahead-of-ipl-2026-1773995983759">Big boost for KKR as Matheesha Pathirana declared fit ahead of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;Despite Lockie Ferguson’s absence, Punjab Kings still have strong fast-bowling options, including Arshdeep Singh, Ben Dwarshuis, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Xavier Bartlett and Yash Thakur. All-rounders such as Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen and Marcus Stoinis further add depth to the squad.&nbsp;Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up last season, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Mar 31 in New Chandigarh.

Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up last season, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Mar 31 in New Chandigarh.

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the opening phase of IPL 2026, starting on Mar 28. The Punjab Kings pacer is currently representing the Blackcaps in a five-match T20I series against South Africa. He recently returned from a short paternity break after the birth of his child, having taken time off during the T20 World Cup 2026 before rejoining the squad in the Super 8 stage. The 34-year-old recently shared that having a newborn has changed his priorities and he wants to spend more time at home while still managing his cricket career. Ferguson further added that he will take a few weeks off after the current series and then join Punjab Kings later in the IPL season. Also Read - Delhi Capitals suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026 "Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out. I'll have a few weeks off after this, before sort of heading to the later stages of the IPL and away for the winter," Lockie Ferguson said before the third T20I against South Africa. In the second T20I against South Africa, he performed well and picked up three wickets for 16 runs in a comfortable win for New Zealand. After the third match, he plans to take a longer break. Also Read - Big boost for KKR as Matheesha Pathirana declared fit ahead of IPL 2026 Despite Lockie Ferguson’s absence, Punjab Kings still have strong fast-bowling options, including Arshdeep Singh, Ben Dwarshuis, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Xavier Bartlett and Yash Thakur. All-rounders such as Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen and Marcus Stoinis further add depth to the squad. Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up last season, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Mar 31 in New Chandigarh.

Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up last season, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Mar 31 in New Chandigarh.

IPL 2026: Major setback for PBKS as Lockie Ferguson to miss start of season

Punjab Kings will head into the IPL 2026 season with a largely settled and balanced squad after retaining the core of their 2025 team and making a few targeted additions at the mini-auction. The franchise showed faith in continuity, keeping most of its key performers while fine-tuning specific areas such as pace depth and all-around options. In the IPL 2026 auctions, they bought Ben Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly, along with Indian talents like Praveen Dubey and Vishal Nishad.&nbsp;Before the auction, the franchise released a few notable players, including Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Kuldeep Sen, as part of their strategy to free up purse space and rebalance the squad. Praveen Dubey was also released initially, though he later returned via the auction.&nbsp;Punjab Kings also backed several young and supporting players to strengthen their squad base. Names such as Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Musheer Khan, Harnoor Singh Pannu, Xavier Bartlett, Mitch Owen, Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, and Pyla Avinash were retained, ensuring a good mix of youth and experience. In total, PBKS went into the auction with around 21 players already secured, allowing them to be selective with their buys.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Players bought in IPL 2026 auctions by Punjab Kings</h2>Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad.&nbsp;&nbsp;PBKS Purse Remaining:&nbsp;Rs. 3.50 crorePBKS Player Slots Remaining:&nbsp;0PBKS Overseas Player Slots Remaining:&nbsp;0<h2>PBKS Retained Players List</h2>Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>Punjab Kings IPL 2026 full squad</h2>Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad.

Before the IPL 2026 auction, the franchise released a few notable players, including Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Kuldeep Sen, as part of their strategy to free up purse space and rebalance the squad. 

Punjab Kings will head into the IPL 2026 season with a largely settled and balanced squad after retaining the core of their 2025 team and making a few targeted additions at the mini-auction. The franchise showed faith in continuity, keeping most of its key performers while fine-tuning specific areas such as pace depth and all-around options. In the IPL 2026 auctions, they bought Ben Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly, along with Indian talents like Praveen Dubey and Vishal Nishad. Before the auction, the franchise released a few notable players, including Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Kuldeep Sen, as part of their strategy to free up purse space and rebalance the squad. Praveen Dubey was also released initially, though he later returned via the auction. Punjab Kings also backed several young and supporting players to strengthen their squad base. Names such as Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Musheer Khan, Harnoor Singh Pannu, Xavier Bartlett, Mitch Owen, Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, and Pyla Avinash were retained, ensuring a good mix of youth and experience. In total, PBKS went into the auction with around 21 players already secured, allowing them to be selective with their buys. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Players bought in IPL 2026 auctions by Punjab Kings Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad. PBKS Purse Remaining: Rs. 3.50 crore PBKS Player Slots Remaining: 0 PBKS Overseas Player Slots Remaining: 0 PBKS Retained Players List Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Punjab Kings IPL 2026 full squad Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad.

Before the IPL 2026 auction, the franchise released a few notable players, including Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Kuldeep Sen, as part of their strategy to free up purse space and rebalance the squad.&nbsp;

IPL 2026 Auction: Here's all you need to know about updated Punjab Kings squad, purchases and other key details

The year 2025 is coming to end and search engine giant Google has started rolling out its annual top searches. Google shares top searches across various categories and genres ranging from news to international relations, sports to entertainment, athletes to events and more. Among all the categories, a list of most searched sports teams of the year is also released and in 2025, two Indian Premier League (IPL) teams feature in top five. The interesting thing, however, is both the teams have never won an IPL title in their history despite being part of the tournament since maiden season in 2008.<h2>Top 5 most searched sports teams on Google</h2>Among the top 5 teams, top two are football clubs - Paris Saint Germain from France's Ligue 1 and S.L Benfica from Portugal's top tier football league. The third team is the USA's Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise Toronto Blue Jays - they are the runners up of 2025 World Series which explains their ranking on most searched teams.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Top Trending Global Searches: Sports Teams 1. Paris Saint-Germain FC 2. S.L. Benfica 3. Toronto Blue Jays 4. Punjab Kings 5. Delhi Capitals&mdash; Google (@Google) <a href="https://twitter.com/Google/status/1996723795110096956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The next two in top five are two IPL teams - Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. Both the teams have never won single IPL title but Punjab Kings did reach the IPL 2025 final under new skipper Shreyas Iyer before losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final who won their maiden title in 2025.There are two more IPL teams in the next five searches - Gujarat Titans at six and Lucknow Super Giants at seven. The next two teams belong to NBA - Oklahoma City Thunder on number eight and Indiana Pacers on number nine while MLB's Seattle Mariners complete the top 10 list of most searched sports teams in 2025 on Google.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-he-is-telling-himself-ravi-ashwin-on-kohli-s-fiery-celebrations-after-consecutive-odi-tons-1764938061470">'He is telling himself...,' Ravi Ashwin on Kohli's fiery celebrations after consecutive ODI tons</a>Talking about sports event, the top five included three cricketing events despite the sport being played only by a handful of countries compared to football. The three most searched cricket events are: Asia Cup 2025, ICC Champions Trophy and Women's World Cup 2025 - all won by India.

Two Indian Premier League (IPL) teams feature in top five list of most searched sports teams of the year 2025 released by Google. Both the teams, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, however, have not won a single IPL title.

The year 2025 is coming to end and search engine giant Google has started rolling out its annual top searches. Google shares top searches across various categories and genres ranging from news to international relations, sports to entertainment, athletes to events and more. Among all the categories, a list of most searched sports teams of the year is also released and in 2025, two Indian Premier League (IPL) teams feature in top five. The interesting thing, however, is both the teams have never won an IPL title in their history despite being part of the tournament since maiden season in 2008. Top 5 most searched sports teams on Google Among the top 5 teams, top two are football clubs - Paris Saint Germain from France's Ligue 1 and S.L Benfica from Portugal's top tier football league. The third team is the USA's Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise Toronto Blue Jays - they are the runners up of 2025 World Series which explains their ranking on most searched teams.

Two Indian Premier League (IPL) teams feature in top five list of most searched sports teams of the year 2025 released by Google. Both the teams, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, however, have not won a single IPL title.

Two IPL teams in Google's most searched sports teams of 2025 and none have won a single title

Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS), on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of former India cricketer and experienced coach Sairaj Bahutule as the team’s new spin bowling coach ahead of the upcoming season. Bahutule replaces Sunil Joshi, who served in the role, previously from 2023 to 2025.&nbsp;Sairaj Bahutule brings in years of experience, having been a veteran of first-class cricket and a highly-regarded cricket coach. He has previously held coaching roles with domestic teams like Kerala, Gujarat, Vidharbha and Bengal, and IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, focusing on developing young talent and optimizing bowling strategies across formats.&nbsp;Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings extended a warm welcome to Bahutule and said, “We extend our sincere thanks to Sunil Joshi for his dedicated service and contribution to the Punjab Kings over the years. As we look forward, we are thrilled to welcome Sairaj Bahutule to our coaching staff.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;"Sairaj’s deep understanding of the game, particularly his extensive experience in grooming domestic bowlers and managing strategy, will be invaluable to our side. His expertise aligns perfectly with our vision of building a strong and cohesive bowling unit for the season ahead.”&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;Sairaj Bahutule also shared his excitement about joining the franchise and stated, “I'm really excited to join Punjab Kings as a spin bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season. This is a team that plays a different brand of cricket, and I can see the potential is massive. They have a bunch of talented players, and I'm looking forward to working with them to refine their skills and help them reach new heights."&nbsp;The appointment is a significant step in the direction of strengthening the core unit with strategic expertise ahead of the player auction and the upcoming season.

Sairaj Bahutule replaces Sunil Joshi, who served in the role, previously from 2023 to 2025. Sairaj Bahutule brings in years of experience, having been a veteran of first-class cricket and a highly-regarded cricket coach. 

Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS), on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of former India cricketer and experienced coach Sairaj Bahutule as the team’s new spin bowling coach ahead of the upcoming season. Bahutule replaces Sunil Joshi, who served in the role, previously from 2023 to 2025. Sairaj Bahutule brings in years of experience, having been a veteran of first-class cricket and a highly-regarded cricket coach. He has previously held coaching roles with domestic teams like Kerala, Gujarat, Vidharbha and Bengal, and IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, focusing on developing young talent and optimizing bowling strategies across formats. Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings extended a warm welcome to Bahutule and said, “We extend our sincere thanks to Sunil Joshi for his dedicated service and contribution to the Punjab Kings over the years. As we look forward, we are thrilled to welcome Sairaj Bahutule to our coaching staff. ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history "Sairaj’s deep understanding of the game, particularly his extensive experience in grooming domestic bowlers and managing strategy, will be invaluable to our side. His expertise aligns perfectly with our vision of building a strong and cohesive bowling unit for the season ahead.” ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more Sairaj Bahutule also shared his excitement about joining the franchise and stated, “I'm really excited to join Punjab Kings as a spin bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season. This is a team that plays a different brand of cricket, and I can see the potential is massive. They have a bunch of talented players, and I'm looking forward to working with them to refine their skills and help them reach new heights." The appointment is a significant step in the direction of strengthening the core unit with strategic expertise ahead of the player auction and the upcoming season.

Sairaj Bahutule replaces Sunil Joshi, who served in the role, previously from 2023 to 2025. Sairaj Bahutule brings in years of experience, having been a veteran of first-class cricket and a highly-regarded cricket coach.&nbsp;

IPL 2026: Former India all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule joins Punjab Kings as spin bowling coach

The marquee India vs Pakistan 2025 Asia Cup clash has been making headlines ever since for all good, bad and ugly reasons. While discussions around on-field cricket have less to do with what is happening around this marquee tie, talks surrounding boycotting this clash are more in the news. Even though the Indian government and the BCCI agreed to face Pakistan in this eight-team tournament, the outrage on social media about not covering it led to a loud engagement; among several leading publications and even IPL teams, many have come forward, deciding to boycott it.&nbsp;India to face Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (Sep 14) in a Group A clash. The fans and several outlets, who have opposed watching or covering it, send out a message that people have not forgotten the Pahalgam terror attack. On April 22 early this year, Pakistani-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight in India’s Kashmir, all tourists from India and abroad, in the deadliest attack on Indian soil since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-pak-pacer-lauds-bumrah-s-workload-management-by-bcci-and-calls-out-pakistan-team-culture-1757665409807">Ex-Pak pacer lauds Bumrah's workload management by BCCI and calls out Pakistan ‘team culture’</a> &nbsp;Like how the Indian government retaliated the last time, they successfully launched Operation Sindoor a fortnight later in the first week of May, targeting terror camps across PoK and Pakistan in precise air strikes, neutralising countless terrorists. It escalated a war-like situation across the border, with two countries engaging in heavy artillery before mutually agreeing to a ceasefire a couple of days later. &nbsp;Meanwhile, following months of silence on engaging across any sports, the BCCI and its counterpart, PCB, agreed to play each other in the continental tournament, which got underway on September 9. This decision shocked the fans, who expressed utter dissatisfaction with this match going ahead despite recent events.<h3>Who is boycotting this match? &nbsp;</h3>Countless fans, several publications and even celebrities came out declaring that they will not watch India vs Pakistan 2025 Asia Cup game, as they stand in solidarity with those killed and their families left behind in that heinous Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp; &nbsp;Among the IPL teams, the Punjab Kings were the first to boycott this game on Sunday, even claiming that there would not be any mention of Pakistan on any of their feeds on the match day. Taking to their X handle, Punjab Kings wrote,&nbsp; &nbsp;“Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let's goooo 💪” while posting a picture of the match card, but without mentioning Pakistan in it.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let&#39;s goooo 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDv</a> <a href="https://t.co/BgeoRfJjMo">pic.twitter.com/BgeoRfJjMo</a>&mdash; Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1966159499938639938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/aBmcxmAhUp">pic.twitter.com/aBmcxmAhUp</a>&mdash; Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/GemsOfCricket/status/1966075353061019703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Howrah, West Bengal: On the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, Minister and former cricketer Manoj Tiwary says, &quot;...We should boycott the match against Pakistan. Not all matches, but the Pakistan match should be boycotted...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/6p2kwHo6a4">pic.twitter.com/6p2kwHo6a4</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1966048453513125987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Several reports even claimed that the marquee India vs Pakistan match, deemed to be the mother of all matches, hasn't been sold out yet. 

The marquee India vs Pakistan 2025 Asia Cup clash has been making headlines ever since for all good, bad and ugly reasons. While discussions around on-field cricket have less to do with what is happening around this marquee tie, talks surrounding boycotting this clash are more in the news. Even though the Indian government and the BCCI agreed to face Pakistan in this eight-team tournament, the outrage on social media about not covering it led to a loud engagement; among several leading publications and even IPL teams, many have come forward, deciding to boycott it. India to face Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday (Sep 14) in a Group A clash. The fans and several outlets, who have opposed watching or covering it, send out a message that people have not forgotten the Pahalgam terror attack. On April 22 early this year, Pakistani-based terrorists killed 26 innocent lives in broad daylight in India’s Kashmir, all tourists from India and abroad, in the deadliest attack on Indian soil since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Also read | Ex-Pak pacer lauds Bumrah's workload management by BCCI and calls out Pakistan ‘team culture’ Like how the Indian government retaliated the last time, they successfully launched Operation Sindoor a fortnight later in the first week of May, targeting terror camps across PoK and Pakistan in precise air strikes, neutralising countless terrorists. It escalated a war-like situation across the border, with two countries engaging in heavy artillery before mutually agreeing to a ceasefire a couple of days later. Meanwhile, following months of silence on engaging across any sports, the BCCI and its counterpart, PCB, agreed to play each other in the continental tournament, which got underway on September 9. This decision shocked the fans, who expressed utter dissatisfaction with this match going ahead despite recent events. Who is boycotting this match? Countless fans, several publications and even celebrities came out declaring that they will not watch India vs Pakistan 2025 Asia Cup game, as they stand in solidarity with those killed and their families left behind in that heinous Pahalgam terror attack. Among the IPL teams, the Punjab Kings were the first to boycott this game on Sunday, even claiming that there would not be any mention of Pakistan on any of their feeds on the match day. Taking to their X handle, Punjab Kings wrote, “Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let's goooo 💪” while posting a picture of the match card, but without mentioning Pakistan in it.

Several reports even claimed that the marquee India vs Pakistan match, deemed to be the mother of all matches, hasn't been sold out yet.&nbsp;

India vs Pakistan: IPL franchise, leading publications to boycott marquee 2025 Asia Cup tie

Imagine doing so damage to someone who gave a sport, its format and one of its most beloved franchise-based leagues everything he could, that he goes into depression. It was the case with the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, a former West Indies opener and IPL legend, who claimed to have faced disrespect to an extent that his Indian Premier League career, which boomed during his prime, came to a premature end. In a shocking revelation, Gayle admitted how one IPL team, for which he played 41 matches and scored 1304 runs, including a hundred and 11 fifties, left a sour taste in his mouth.&nbsp;Gayle represented several IPL teams during his time in the Indian Premier League. Starting with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2009, Gayle joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru two years later in 2011, tasting immense success with that franchise. However, following a seven-year stint with the RCB, Gayle joined Punjab Kings for four seasons (2018-2021).&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2025-asia-cup-sanju-samson-ahead-of-shubman-gill-for-opener-slot-for-ravi-shastri-1757327135299">2025 Asia Cup: Samson ahead of Gill for opener's slot for Ravi Shastri, says ‘let Shubman...’</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, in a recent chat with Shubhankar Mishra on his podcast, Gayle revealed how Punjab Kings disrespected and treated him, also adding that he broke down while talking to coach Anil Kumble at one point. Besides, Kumble’s handling of him during his time with the franchise saw him break down at one point.&nbsp;"My IPL ended prematurely with Punjab. I was disrespected at Kings XI. I felt I wasn't treated properly as a senior who had done so much for the league and brought value. They treated me like a kid. For the first time in my life, I felt like getting into depression. I broke down talking to Anil Kumble because I was really hurt. I was disappointed with him and the way the franchise was run," Gayle said in a chat with Shubhankar Mishra on the latter's podcast.&nbsp;Moreover, he also revealed having a conversation with side’s then-team captain, KL Rahul, who called up to confirm him about his place in the playing XI, to which Gayle replied, "KL Rahul even called me saying, 'Chris, stay, you'll play the next game'. But I just said, 'I wish you all the best', and packed my bag, and walked out".&nbsp;Gayle, however, ended his IPL career as one of the top run-getters, having scored close to 5000 runs (4965) in 142 matches, with his highest score of 175*. He had a strike rate of 148.96, also averaging close to 40 (39.72).

Gayle ended his IPL career as one of the top run-getters, having scored close to 5000 runs (4965) in 142 matches, with his highest score of 175*.

Imagine doing so damage to someone who gave a sport, its format and one of its most beloved franchise-based leagues everything he could, that he goes into depression. It was the case with the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, a former West Indies opener and IPL legend, who claimed to have faced disrespect to an extent that his Indian Premier League career, which boomed during his prime, came to a premature end. In a shocking revelation, Gayle admitted how one IPL team, for which he played 41 matches and scored 1304 runs, including a hundred and 11 fifties, left a sour taste in his mouth. Gayle represented several IPL teams during his time in the Indian Premier League. Starting with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2009, Gayle joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru two years later in 2011, tasting immense success with that franchise. However, following a seven-year stint with the RCB, Gayle joined Punjab Kings for four seasons (2018-2021). Also read | 2025 Asia Cup: Samson ahead of Gill for opener's slot for Ravi Shastri, says ‘let Shubman...’ Meanwhile, in a recent chat with Shubhankar Mishra on his podcast, Gayle revealed how Punjab Kings disrespected and treated him, also adding that he broke down while talking to coach Anil Kumble at one point. Besides, Kumble’s handling of him during his time with the franchise saw him break down at one point. "My IPL ended prematurely with Punjab. I was disrespected at Kings XI. I felt I wasn't treated properly as a senior who had done so much for the league and brought value. They treated me like a kid. For the first time in my life, I felt like getting into depression. I broke down talking to Anil Kumble because I was really hurt. I was disappointed with him and the way the franchise was run," Gayle said in a chat with Shubhankar Mishra on the latter's podcast. Moreover, he also revealed having a conversation with side’s then-team captain, KL Rahul, who called up to confirm him about his place in the playing XI, to which Gayle replied, "KL Rahul even called me saying, 'Chris, stay, you'll play the next game'. But I just said, 'I wish you all the best', and packed my bag, and walked out". Gayle, however, ended his IPL career as one of the top run-getters, having scored close to 5000 runs (4965) in 142 matches, with his highest score of 175*. He had a strike rate of 148.96, also averaging close to 40 (39.72).

Gayle ended his IPL career as one of the top run-getters, having scored close to 5000 runs (4965) in 142 matches, with his highest score of 175*.

'I was getting into depression,' Gayle accuses THIS IPL franchise of disrespecting him; makes shocking revelation

When India announced its 15-man squad for the Asia Cup in September 2025, one name was conspicuously missing: Shreyas Iyer. The Punjab Kings captain – fresh off a stellar Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign – did not even find a place among the reserves. His omission has left fans and experts baffled, considering the weight of his performances in the past year. In IPL 2025, Iyer was at his prime best. He amassed 604 runs in 17 innings at an average of 50.33 and a sensational strike-rate of 175, guiding Punjab Kings to their first final since 2014. Just a few months before that, he had been India’s standout performer in the ICC Champions Trophy, where he topped the batting charts for India with 243 runs at an average of 48.60. For his consistent form, he was even named ICC’s Player of the Month in March 2025.<h2>The Statistical Case</h2>Numbers alone should have guaranteed Iyer a spot. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, he scored two important half-centuries and played a crucial role in India lifting the trophy after a 12-year wait. In T20Is since the 2024 World Cup, he has piled up nearly 950 runs in 25 innings at an average of 49.94 and a strike-rate approaching 180, including a career-best unbeaten 130. His overall ODI record stands at more than 2,400 runs with five centuries and 18 half-centuries. In the IPL, he has crossed the 3,000-run mark with 21 half-centuries to his name. The numbers don’t lie. They suggest a batsman in peak form and a natural choice for a middle-order slot.<h2>The Leader India Doesn’t Pick</h2>But Iyer’s case is about more than just runs. He has developed into one of the finest leaders in Indian cricket. Remarkably, he has taken three different IPL franchises – Delhi, Kolkata, and Punjab – into finals. In 2024, he lifted the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders; in 2025, he guided Punjab Kings to their first final in over a decade. He has also led Mumbai to a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win, underscoring his ability to inspire teams across formats and competitions. Iyer was also a central figure in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year, not just as a batsman but as a calm, tactical presence in pressure situations. Former selectors have often lauded his cricketing brain and fielding ability, qualities that add further value to his resume.<h2>The Selectors’ Stand</h2>Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the decision, saying Iyer had done ‘nothing wrong’ but ‘needs to wait for his chance’. His argument was simple: the squad balance left little room to accommodate him. But critics were unconvinced. Former coach Abhishek Nayar said he “can’t fathom” leaving Iyer out even of the larger pool, calling it a message that the Mumbai batsman was not in the selectors’ long-term plans. Other voices, from ex-players like Surinder Khanna to senior players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, have described the move as unfair. To many, the choice to overlook a player in such rich form – especially in favour of less experienced names – reeks of muddled priorities.<h2>A Pattern of Neglect</h2>For Iyer, heartbreak at the selection table is nothing new. He was overlooked for the 2021, 2022, and 2024 T20 World Cups, despite being among the runs each time. Now, the Asia Cup exclusion has reopened the same debate: what more must he do? At 30, he is at the peak of his career, scoring runs across formats, leading teams to finals, and yet finding himself outside India’s plans for major tournaments. The official explanation leans on continuity and combination, with whispers that management prefers left-handed power-hitters in the middle order. But until such reasoning is stated plainly, the narrative remains one of preference over performance.&nbsp;Ultimately, Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup snub has become a talking point not just about one player but about India’s selection philosophy. Do numbers and performances carry enough weight, or is the system increasingly skewed by pre-decided combinations and preferences? Iyer himself continues to remain professional, focused on domestic cricket and franchise commitments. But the question hangs heavy over the Asia Cup: is India overlooking one of its most reliable middle-order batsmen at the exact moment he should be playing a pivotal role?&nbsp;As the tournament unfolds without him, the debate will not be about whether Iyer deserved selection – that much is already clear – but whether Indian cricket can afford to keep sidelining him in its pursuit of balance.

Asia Cup 2025 Why Shreyas Iyer keeps getting overlooked Numbers dont lie

When India announced its 15-man squad for the Asia Cup in September 2025, one name was conspicuously missing: Shreyas Iyer. The Punjab Kings captain – fresh off a stellar Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign – did not even find a place among the reserves. His omission has left fans and experts baffled, considering the weight of his performances in the past year. In IPL 2025, Iyer was at his prime best. He amassed 604 runs in 17 innings at an average of 50.33 and a sensational strike-rate of 175, guiding Punjab Kings to their first final since 2014. Just a few months before that, he had been India’s standout performer in the ICC Champions Trophy, where he topped the batting charts for India with 243 runs at an average of 48.60. For his consistent form, he was even named ICC’s Player of the Month in March 2025. The Statistical Case Numbers alone should have guaranteed Iyer a spot. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, he scored two important half-centuries and played a crucial role in India lifting the trophy after a 12-year wait. In T20Is since the 2024 World Cup, he has piled up nearly 950 runs in 25 innings at an average of 49.94 and a strike-rate approaching 180, including a career-best unbeaten 130. His overall ODI record stands at more than 2,400 runs with five centuries and 18 half-centuries. In the IPL, he has crossed the 3,000-run mark with 21 half-centuries to his name. The numbers don’t lie. They suggest a batsman in peak form and a natural choice for a middle-order slot. The Leader India Doesn’t Pick But Iyer’s case is about more than just runs. He has developed into one of the finest leaders in Indian cricket. Remarkably, he has taken three different IPL franchises – Delhi, Kolkata, and Punjab – into finals. In 2024, he lifted the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders; in 2025, he guided Punjab Kings to their first final in over a decade. He has also led Mumbai to a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win, underscoring his ability to inspire teams across formats and competitions. Iyer was also a central figure in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year, not just as a batsman but as a calm, tactical presence in pressure situations. Former selectors have often lauded his cricketing brain and fielding ability, qualities that add further value to his resume. The Selectors’ Stand Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the decision, saying Iyer had done ‘nothing wrong’ but ‘needs to wait for his chance’. His argument was simple: the squad balance left little room to accommodate him. But critics were unconvinced. Former coach Abhishek Nayar said he “can’t fathom” leaving Iyer out even of the larger pool, calling it a message that the Mumbai batsman was not in the selectors’ long-term plans. Other voices, from ex-players like Surinder Khanna to senior players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, have described the move as unfair. To many, the choice to overlook a player in such rich form – especially in favour of less experienced names – reeks of muddled priorities. A Pattern of Neglect For Iyer, heartbreak at the selection table is nothing new. He was overlooked for the 2021, 2022, and 2024 T20 World Cups, despite being among the runs each time. Now, the Asia Cup exclusion has reopened the same debate: what more must he do? At 30, he is at the peak of his career, scoring runs across formats, leading teams to finals, and yet finding himself outside India’s plans for major tournaments. The official explanation leans on continuity and combination, with whispers that management prefers left-handed power-hitters in the middle order. But until such reasoning is stated plainly, the narrative remains one of preference over performance. Ultimately, Shreyas Iyer’s Asia Cup snub has become a talking point not just about one player but about India’s selection philosophy. Do numbers and performances carry enough weight, or is the system increasingly skewed by pre-decided combinations and preferences? Iyer himself continues to remain professional, focused on domestic cricket and franchise commitments. But the question hangs heavy over the Asia Cup: is India overlooking one of its most reliable middle-order batsmen at the exact moment he should be playing a pivotal role? As the tournament unfolds without him, the debate will not be about whether Iyer deserved selection – that much is already clear – but whether Indian cricket can afford to keep sidelining him in its pursuit of balance.

Despite having remarkable performance in the ICC Champions Trophy and then in the Indian Premier League, the 30-year-old right-hand batter was not selected by the selection committee for the upcoming Asia Cup&nbsp;

Asia Cup 2025: Why Shreyas Iyer keeps getting overlooked? Numbers don't lie

Punjab Kings' Priyansh Arya’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season was a mix of ups and downs, but one that reflected his maturity as an aggressive batter. After not so good starts — scores of 26, 16, and 8 in his first three innings in the ongoing edition of the Delhi Premier League — he bounced back with a smashing century, reminding everyone why he is considered one of Delhi’s most exciting young talents.&nbsp;Reflecting on that turnaround, Priyansh admits he needed a small course correction. “Right from the beginning of the innings, I was trying to be aggressive a little too much. My coach told me to spend some time on the wicket, see the ball, and then attack. That made all the difference,” he said while speaking to WION.&nbsp;Sharing the dressing room with international stars has been another step forward for the 24-year-old. “The biggest learning was to back my skills as much as possible,” he shared. Spending time with legends like Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer left a lasting impression: “I had a lot of freedom from both of them. Whether it’s scoring 30 in 10 balls or 30 in 30 balls — if it’s good for the team, it’s valuable.”&nbsp;One lesson even came after failure. “I remember that I was out first ball against Jofra Archer in one of the matches. After the match Ponting told me, ‘Next time if a bowler comes at you, try hitting a six first ball. That gave me confidence,” Priyansh recalled with a smile.&nbsp;Priyansh first came in the spotlight last year when he smashed six sixes in an over during the inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League. Expectations naturally rose this season, but he insists pressure has never been the issue. “There was no pressure last year, and no pressure this year as well. I only expect myself to perform better than before.”&nbsp;Still, he knows his game must grow. “Consistency is the main thing. Impactful innings are good, but if the team doesn’t win, then I have to bring more consistency.”&nbsp;While he has made his name in T20s, Priyansh is clear about his next target — red-ball cricket. “I want to play red-ball cricket for Delhi. The conditions are different, the challenge is tougher. But if it’s not challenging, it won’t be fun,” he says, while adding that current India Test captain Shubman Gill is his inspiration in the longer format of the game.&nbsp;Priyansh’s journey from the Delhi Premier League to the IPL is now well known, and he continues to see the DPL as the perfect platform for talent. “Every franchise has scouts coming here. Players are being picked from here. If you keep it simple and focus on consistency, that’s the best way forward."&nbsp;Now representing Outer Delhi Warriors after a season with South Delhi Superstars, he has quickly adapted to the new environment. He also recalled about his partnership with Karan. “When he hit that shot on the first ball and it went for a boundary, I knew he was fearless. I like his confidence,” Priyansh shared.&nbsp;Coming to the league, Priyansh Arya's Outer Delhi Warriors is at the bottom of the table with just three points from seven matches. The left-handed batter has 191 runs to his name in the ongoing edition along with one century.

If its not challenging it wont be fun says Priyansh Arya on his red ball ambition

Punjab Kings' Priyansh Arya’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season was a mix of ups and downs, but one that reflected his maturity as an aggressive batter. After not so good starts — scores of 26, 16, and 8 in his first three innings in the ongoing edition of the Delhi Premier League — he bounced back with a smashing century, reminding everyone why he is considered one of Delhi’s most exciting young talents. Reflecting on that turnaround, Priyansh admits he needed a small course correction. “Right from the beginning of the innings, I was trying to be aggressive a little too much. My coach told me to spend some time on the wicket, see the ball, and then attack. That made all the difference,” he said while speaking to WION. Sharing the dressing room with international stars has been another step forward for the 24-year-old. “The biggest learning was to back my skills as much as possible,” he shared. Spending time with legends like Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer left a lasting impression: “I had a lot of freedom from both of them. Whether it’s scoring 30 in 10 balls or 30 in 30 balls — if it’s good for the team, it’s valuable.” One lesson even came after failure. “I remember that I was out first ball against Jofra Archer in one of the matches. After the match Ponting told me, ‘Next time if a bowler comes at you, try hitting a six first ball. That gave me confidence,” Priyansh recalled with a smile. Priyansh first came in the spotlight last year when he smashed six sixes in an over during the inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League. Expectations naturally rose this season, but he insists pressure has never been the issue. “There was no pressure last year, and no pressure this year as well. I only expect myself to perform better than before.” Still, he knows his game must grow. “Consistency is the main thing. Impactful innings are good, but if the team doesn’t win, then I have to bring more consistency.” While he has made his name in T20s, Priyansh is clear about his next target — red-ball cricket. “I want to play red-ball cricket for Delhi. The conditions are different, the challenge is tougher. But if it’s not challenging, it won’t be fun,” he says, while adding that current India Test captain Shubman Gill is his inspiration in the longer format of the game. Priyansh’s journey from the Delhi Premier League to the IPL is now well known, and he continues to see the DPL as the perfect platform for talent. “Every franchise has scouts coming here. Players are being picked from here. If you keep it simple and focus on consistency, that’s the best way forward." Now representing Outer Delhi Warriors after a season with South Delhi Superstars, he has quickly adapted to the new environment. He also recalled about his partnership with Karan. “When he hit that shot on the first ball and it went for a boundary, I knew he was fearless. I like his confidence,” Priyansh shared. Coming to the league, Priyansh Arya's Outer Delhi Warriors is at the bottom of the table with just three points from seven matches. The left-handed batter has 191 runs to his name in the ongoing edition along with one century.

In the ongoing edition of the Delhi Premier League being played at the Arun Jaitley stadium, the 24-year-old has 191 runs from seven matches at an average of 31.83

Priyansh Arya on his red-ball ambition: 'If it’s not challenging, it won’t be fun'

Shreyas Iyer doesn't seem to catch a break in T20 tournament finals as he lost another title match on Thursday (June 12) - this time in Mumbai T20 League. Iyer's team, SoBo Mumbai Falcons, fell short against Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals for the title. As skipper, Iyer himself couldn't manage to score much and managed just 12 off 17 balls and just 62 runs in theThis is the second T20 title Iyer has lost in the final and as a skipper too in two weeks. He recently lost IPL 2025 final with Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-india-head-coach-gautam-gambhir-flies-home-due-to-family-emergency-mother-heart-attack-1749815684320">ENG vs IND 2025: India head coach Gambhir flies home due to family emergency; return date uncertain</a>"Don't want to pinpoint any incident - overall, the boys were brilliant with their effort," Iyer said after the final. "We just lost one game en route to the final. Just a one-off game, where you can't single out anyone. It's basically backstabbing [if you criticise someone], and I don't enjoy that."It's pretty common to feel dejected after a final loss. It must hurt [the players]. But when they come back next year, they'll have that extra motivation and confidence. They should be proud of their effort," he added.Batting first, Iyer's team managed 157 in 20 overs which the opposition chased down with ease in 19.2 overs and six wickets in hand.Overall, Iyer has been in superb form as a player and a skipper for Mumbai and India since 2024 season. He left Mumbai to Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) win and was part of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy winning squad to go with India's highest run scorer in Champions Trophy 2025 title-winning team.In IPL 2025, he took Punjab to their second final in franchise history and first one after a gap of 11 long years.

This is the second T20 title Iyer has lost in the final and as a skipper too in two weeks. He recently lost IPL 2025 final with Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3.

Shreyas Iyer doesn't seem to catch a break in T20 tournament finals as he lost another title match on Thursday (June 12) - this time in Mumbai T20 League. Iyer's team, SoBo Mumbai Falcons, fell short against Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals for the title. As skipper, Iyer himself couldn't manage to score much and managed just 12 off 17 balls and just 62 runs in the This is the second T20 title Iyer has lost in the final and as a skipper too in two weeks. He recently lost IPL 2025 final with Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3. Also Read - ENG vs IND 2025: India head coach Gambhir flies home due to family emergency; return date uncertain "Don't want to pinpoint any incident - overall, the boys were brilliant with their effort," Iyer said after the final. "We just lost one game en route to the final. Just a one-off game, where you can't single out anyone. It's basically backstabbing [if you criticise someone], and I don't enjoy that. "It's pretty common to feel dejected after a final loss. It must hurt [the players]. But when they come back next year, they'll have that extra motivation and confidence. They should be proud of their effort," he added. Batting first, Iyer's team managed 157 in 20 overs which the opposition chased down with ease in 19.2 overs and six wickets in hand. Overall, Iyer has been in superb form as a player and a skipper for Mumbai and India since 2024 season. He left Mumbai to Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) win and was part of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy winning squad to go with India's highest run scorer in Champions Trophy 2025 title-winning team. In IPL 2025, he took Punjab to their second final in franchise history and first one after a gap of 11 long years.

This is the second T20 title Iyer has lost in the final and as a skipper too in two weeks. He recently lost IPL 2025 final with Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3.

Cursed in T20 final? Shreyas Iyer loses second tournament final as skipper in 10 days

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden IPL title on Tuesday (June 3). Let us have a look at all the award winners of the season.

IPL 2025 | Most runs, wickets, emerging player, fairplay award. Check complete list

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer was left disappointed after his side suffered a six-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but remained optimistic that his side has what it takes to return next year and lift the trophy.&nbsp;The 2025 edition saw Punjab Kings reach the final for the first time in 11 years, second overall and saw them make only their third overall appearance in the IPL Playoffs. On his part, Shreyas Iyer was appearing in his second straight IPL final after leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024.&nbsp;Iyer, who is the first captain in history to lead three franchises to the finals of the tournament (Delhi Daredevils are third), hailed his side’s fearless performance throughout the season and acknowledged the game-changing effort of Krunal Pandya.&nbsp;“Dejected, to be honest, but the way our boys came up to the occasion, it wasn’t meant to be, but a lot of credit goes to the support staff, the owners, and everyone else who’s participated in this. Considering the last game, I personally felt that 200 was a par score. They bowled brilliantly, especially Krunal, who carries a lot of experience. I believe that was the turning point. I am very proud of each and every individual who has participated in this team."&nbsp;“There are a lot of youngsters who are playing their first season, and they’ve shown a lot of fearlessness. We wouldn’t be here without them. Kudos to them. We have to be here and win the trophy next year. The way we turned up to each match and with a belief of saying, 'We can win this game'. Hopefully, we can be here next season and play some good cricket,” said Iyer in the post-game interview.<h3>It is really special for Kohli and the fans: Patidar</h3>Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar shared his thoughts after winning the IPL trophy in his first season as captain.&nbsp;He said, “I think it is really special for me and special for Virat Kohli and all the fans. Those who have supported from years, so I think they all deserve it.”&nbsp;“For me, it's a great opportunity to do captaincy under Virat Kohli and it was a great learning for me. And as I said, I think he deserves more than anyone else who has supported everyone, the management, support staff, coaching staff. I think the way they have supported every player, I think that was beautiful,” he added.&nbsp;Speaking about the match, the RCB captain said, “I think 190 score was good on this track because it was a bit slow and the way bowler executed their plans, that was tremendous to watch."

IPL 2025 | ‘We have to be here and win the trophy next year’, says PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer was left disappointed after his side suffered a six-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but remained optimistic that his side has what it takes to return next year and lift the trophy. The 2025 edition saw Punjab Kings reach the final for the first time in 11 years, second overall and saw them make only their third overall appearance in the IPL Playoffs. On his part, Shreyas Iyer was appearing in his second straight IPL final after leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024. Iyer, who is the first captain in history to lead three franchises to the finals of the tournament (Delhi Daredevils are third), hailed his side’s fearless performance throughout the season and acknowledged the game-changing effort of Krunal Pandya. “Dejected, to be honest, but the way our boys came up to the occasion, it wasn’t meant to be, but a lot of credit goes to the support staff, the owners, and everyone else who’s participated in this. Considering the last game, I personally felt that 200 was a par score. They bowled brilliantly, especially Krunal, who carries a lot of experience. I believe that was the turning point. I am very proud of each and every individual who has participated in this team." “There are a lot of youngsters who are playing their first season, and they’ve shown a lot of fearlessness. We wouldn’t be here without them. Kudos to them. We have to be here and win the trophy next year. The way we turned up to each match and with a belief of saying, 'We can win this game'. Hopefully, we can be here next season and play some good cricket,” said Iyer in the post-game interview. It is really special for Kohli and the fans: Patidar Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar shared his thoughts after winning the IPL trophy in his first season as captain. He said, “I think it is really special for me and special for Virat Kohli and all the fans. Those who have supported from years, so I think they all deserve it.” “For me, it's a great opportunity to do captaincy under Virat Kohli and it was a great learning for me. And as I said, I think he deserves more than anyone else who has supported everyone, the management, support staff, coaching staff. I think the way they have supported every player, I think that was beautiful,” he added. Speaking about the match, the RCB captain said, “I think 190 score was good on this track because it was a bit slow and the way bowler executed their plans, that was tremendous to watch."

The 2025 edition saw Punjab Kings reach the final for the first time in 11 years, second overall and saw them make only their third overall appearance in the IPL playoffs

Nearly after a month Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, he remains the biggest ambassador of Test cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;While he has achieved more in white-ball formats, the white jersey will always hold a special place in his heart.&nbsp;Having retired from the longest format of the game last month, he still lauded Test cricket as the pinnacle of cricket, and that too after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).&nbsp;Having finally lifted that elusive trophy, Kohli fell to the ground with tears in his eyes. He couldn’t control his emotions, having been waiting for this moment for 18 years. But when the time came to talk about it all, Kohli talked about Test cricket as much as he did about winning an IPL trophy for RCB.&nbsp;“You know, this moment is right up there with the best moments I’ve had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That’s how much I value Test cricket. And that’s how much I love Test cricket. So I would just urge the youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect,” Kohli said after winning the IPL 2025 trophy.&nbsp;Kohli always walked the talk. Apart from an injury or personal reason, he never missed a Test match. Under him, India became the best they have ever been in the format. A four-man pace attack developed under him and he won five Test matches. Kohli still thinks you can win IPL or the World Cup but it’ll be your accolades in Test cricket that will ultimately earn you the respect.&nbsp;“Because if you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye, shake your hand, and say, well done, you played the game really well. So if you want to earn respect in world cricket all over, take up Test cricket and give your heart and soul to it. And when you walk out with wonders on the other side, then you gain respect in the cricket world with legends like yourself. Melting our hearts on the field and off the field,” he signed off.

IPL 2025 | This moment is right up there but five levels below Test cricket: Kohli after winning IPL

Nearly after a month Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, he remains the biggest ambassador of Test cricket. While he has achieved more in white-ball formats, the white jersey will always hold a special place in his heart. Having retired from the longest format of the game last month, he still lauded Test cricket as the pinnacle of cricket, and that too after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Having finally lifted that elusive trophy, Kohli fell to the ground with tears in his eyes. He couldn’t control his emotions, having been waiting for this moment for 18 years. But when the time came to talk about it all, Kohli talked about Test cricket as much as he did about winning an IPL trophy for RCB. “You know, this moment is right up there with the best moments I’ve had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That’s how much I value Test cricket. And that’s how much I love Test cricket. So I would just urge the youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect,” Kohli said after winning the IPL 2025 trophy. Kohli always walked the talk. Apart from an injury or personal reason, he never missed a Test match. Under him, India became the best they have ever been in the format. A four-man pace attack developed under him and he won five Test matches. Kohli still thinks you can win IPL or the World Cup but it’ll be your accolades in Test cricket that will ultimately earn you the respect. “Because if you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye, shake your hand, and say, well done, you played the game really well. So if you want to earn respect in world cricket all over, take up Test cricket and give your heart and soul to it. And when you walk out with wonders on the other side, then you gain respect in the cricket world with legends like yourself. Melting our hearts on the field and off the field,” he signed off.

Having announced his retirement from Test cricket last month, Kohli was ecstatic but said nothing is more satisfying than excelling in the traditional format

IPL 2025: Virat Kohli reflects after lifting maiden title as RCB beat Punjab Kings by six runs in final

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (2025) will have a new winner.&nbsp;&nbsp;A battle of Reds awaits at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday (June 3), where Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to lock horns against Punjab Kings for the summit clash.&nbsp;Ahead of the mega final, the IPL have unveiled their confetti. It has been named as ‘The Last Mile’.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-classic-javelin-throw-event-rescheduled-for-next-month-july-5-in-bengaluru-1748950919036">Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event rescheduled for next month. Check date and details inside</a>&nbsp;The confetti isn't just random one—it’s symbolic of different cricketing emotions and actions. Each piece of confetti tells a story of effort, emotion, and excellence on the field.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Uncover the meaning behind <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a>&#39;s vibrant confetti 🎊 We&#39;ve decoded it for you! 🔍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvPBKS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Final</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastMile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastMile</a> <a href="https://t.co/caTjHuPDxc">pic.twitter.com/caTjHuPDxc</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1929841465204539644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Each piece of confetti resembles a player's pose, and that shape is associated with set of keyword like: Alert, Commitment, Focus, Grace, Joy, Momentum, Pride and Roar.&nbsp;These words and shapes when come together form the IPL trophy at the center, representing how all these attributes and qualities come together to define the final stretch of the tournament.<h2>Let's have a look at meaning of these words</h2>Alert: The word resonates with how the players are always vigilant and attentive. In this short and quick format of the game, where every run, save, wicket matter, players cannot afford to lose their concentration.&nbsp;Commitment: Attributes to the dedication and the devotion the batsman show to make it to the crease.&nbsp;Focus: The quality credits a bowler’s clear-cut determination to bowl the right bowl under pressure situations.&nbsp;Grace: A quality showing dignified and composed behavior, especially after a successful or challenging situation. Joy: A fielder taking a spectacular catch and the crowd going wild or the fans seeing their favourite cricketing stars in action. Momentum: A quality of a team being on top of the game, a feeling of being in control of the flow and pace of the match, and the ability to maintain that advantage and taking it to the next games. &nbsp;Pride: A young player standing before the crowd after a dream debut and the fans reciprocating the same.&nbsp; Roar: A fast bowler celebrating with passion after taking a crucial wicket. &nbsp;

RCB vs PBKS: IPL 2025 Final confetti tells a story. Here is what it says

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (2025) will have a new winner. A battle of Reds awaits at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday (June 3), where Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to lock horns against Punjab Kings for the summit clash. Ahead of the mega final, the IPL have unveiled their confetti. It has been named as ‘The Last Mile’. Also Read: Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event rescheduled for next month. Check date and details inside The confetti isn't just random one—it’s symbolic of different cricketing emotions and actions. Each piece of confetti tells a story of effort, emotion, and excellence on the field.

A battle of Reds awaits at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday (June 3), where Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to lock horns against Punjab Kings for the summit clash

For the longest time since MS Dhoni’s emergence on the cricket scene, he remained the calmest-headed man the game has seen; sure, there must have been more with similar traits, but it was hard to find one during his playing days. Although past his prime, this quality of his remains intact even to date. However, we have a new contender running for this title, and he is none other than the Indian batter and Punjab Kings captain in the IPL, Shreyas Iyer.&nbsp;Having led several other IPL teams to finals, including winning one with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, Iyer has shown his mettle and appetite to succeed on grander stages. Not disappointing for his new franchise this year – Punjab Kings, Iyer unleashed an array of sixes against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Sunday in Ahmedabad to see his team home by five wickets, further helping them qualify for the second IPL final ever.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-punjab-kings-pbks-dressing-room-erupts-in-joy-after-captain-shreyas-iyer-smashes-4-sixes-in-an-over-to-complete-historic-chase-watch-1748838826341">IPL 2025: PBKS dressing room erupts in joy after captain Iyer smashes 4 sixes in an over to complete historic chase – WATCH</a> &nbsp;He came onto bat inside the Powerplay and stood his ground till the end, smashing eight sixes and five fours in his match-winning 41-ball 87*. He hit four of those massive sixes in just one over – the penultimate one to left-arm Ashwini Kumar, sealing a historic run chase in IPL playoffs. &nbsp;Sticking to his words following his side’s embarrassing eight-wicket loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1, wherein he said, ‘We have lost the battle, but not the war’, Iyer delivered for his team. &nbsp;"I don't know, to be honest," Iyer said of his demeanour in the post-game chat. “I love big occasions. I say to myself and my colleagues, the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are, and you'll get the best results. Today, I was focusing on my breathing rather than sweating it out.”<h3>Watch Video -</h3>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Keep 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗺, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKS</a> fans. Your captain is here! ❤ 🎥 🗣 Hear from Shreyas Iyer as he reveals the secret behind his epic knock! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKSvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKSvMI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qualifier2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qualifier2</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastMile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastMile</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabKingsIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyasIyer15</a> <a href="https://t.co/LaaSEp4MvO">pic.twitter.com/LaaSEp4MvO</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1929282822960803876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking on how he motivated the group after the Qualifier 1 loss, Iyer said, "All the players need to be assertive. Show intent from ball one. We weren't able to capitalise on the start, but the intent was stupendous. Even for me, when I went out there, I had to take some time, but the batsman at the other end, he was striking pretty well. I know the more time I spend on the field, the better I play, and my vision also gets better." &nbsp;Meanwhile, Iyer’s no-emotion celebration reminded fans of MS Dhoni, who was known for keeping his cool even in tense situations and later getting the job done for the team.&nbsp;Iyer's PBKS will face RCB in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday (June 3) in Ahmedabad.

Forget MS Dhoni, Indian Cricket has a new Mr. Cool in Shreyas Iyer

For the longest time since MS Dhoni’s emergence on the cricket scene, he remained the calmest-headed man the game has seen; sure, there must have been more with similar traits, but it was hard to find one during his playing days. Although past his prime, this quality of his remains intact even to date. However, we have a new contender running for this title, and he is none other than the Indian batter and Punjab Kings captain in the IPL, Shreyas Iyer. Having led several other IPL teams to finals, including winning one with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, Iyer has shown his mettle and appetite to succeed on grander stages. Not disappointing for his new franchise this year – Punjab Kings, Iyer unleashed an array of sixes against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Sunday in Ahmedabad to see his team home by five wickets, further helping them qualify for the second IPL final ever. Also read | IPL 2025: PBKS dressing room erupts in joy after captain Iyer smashes 4 sixes in an over to complete historic chase – WATCH He came onto bat inside the Powerplay and stood his ground till the end, smashing eight sixes and five fours in his match-winning 41-ball 87*. He hit four of those massive sixes in just one over – the penultimate one to left-arm Ashwini Kumar, sealing a historic run chase in IPL playoffs. Sticking to his words following his side’s embarrassing eight-wicket loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1, wherein he said, ‘We have lost the battle, but not the war’, Iyer delivered for his team. "I don't know, to be honest," Iyer said of his demeanour in the post-game chat. “I love big occasions. I say to myself and my colleagues, the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are, and you'll get the best results. Today, I was focusing on my breathing rather than sweating it out.” Watch Video -

Having led several other IPL teams to finals, including winning one with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, Iyer has shown his mettle and appetite to succeed on grander stages.&nbsp;

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