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Faf du Plessis Touts Punjab Kings as IPL 2026 Title Favourites

South African cricketer Faf du Plessis has labelled the Punjab Kings as strong title contenders in IPL 2026, praising their formidable batting unit. He specifically highlighted captain Shreyas Iyer's crucial, unbeaten match-winning performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad. While noting minor questions around bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen, du Plessis emphasized the team's overall balance. Punjab Kings maintained their perfect start to the season with a thrilling six-wicket victory, powered by explosive batting.

Key Points: Faf du Plessis Backs Punjab Kings for IPL 2026 Title

  • Faf du Plessis praises PBKS batting depth
  • Highlights Shreyas Iyer's match-winning knock
  • Notes minor bowling concerns
  • Backs PBKS as title favourites
2 min read

Faf du Plessis Backs Punjab Kings as Title Favourites in IPL 2026

Faf du Plessis praises Punjab Kings' batting depth and calls them title favourites in IPL 2026, highlighting Shreyas Iyer's leadership.

"For me, they are among the title favourites. - Faf du Plessis"

New Delhi, April 12

South African cricketer Faf du Plessis has praised the batting depth of Punjab Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season, calling them one of the strongest contenders for the title.

Speaking on Star Sports, JioStar expert du Plessis said Punjab Kings' batting unit has been consistently delivering, just as it did in the previous season when the team reached the final.

"PBKS' batters are doing really well, and that is helping them in the IPL once again. Last season, all their batters played a crucial role in helping them reach the final. This season, their batting unit is delivering again," du Plessis said.

He also highlighted captain Shreyas Iyer, noting that after a quiet start with the bat, the skipper responded with a match-winning performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Mullanpur on Saturday.

"Captain Shreyas Iyer is the only top four batter who hasn't got runs so far, and he comes and not only gets a big score, but takes his team through against SRH," he added.

While praising PBKS overall, du Plessis pointed out minor concerns in the bowling department, especially around the form of Arshdeep Singh and an off day for Marco Jansen.

"I think PBKS are ticking every box. They are a very formidable side. Yes, there are still a few questions. Arshdeep Singh is perhaps not bowling as well as he would want. Mark Jansen had an off day. But none of this is serious," he said.

He concluded by calling Punjab Kings "among the title favourites," underlining their balanced squad and strong batting momentum this season. "But none of this is serious. For me, they are among the title favourites."

Punjab Kings have maintained their perfect start to the IPL 2026 season with a thrilling six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Kings faced an aggressive Hyderabad side that reached 120/0 in just eight overs.

However, a brilliant comeback from the bowling unit restricted SRH to 219/6. In response, Punjab's batters showcased their dominance once again, with openers Priyansh Arya (57 off 20) and Prabhsimran Singh (51 off 25) providing a lightning start.

Captain Shreyas Iyer then led from the front with a masterclass in finishing, scoring a match-winning, unbeaten 69 off just 33 balls to steer the team to 223/4 in 18.5 overs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's great to see Punjab finally getting the recognition. They've been building this squad for a couple of years. That chase against SRH was clinical. But I agree with the bowling concerns - they need Arshdeep to find his rhythm in the death overs.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think it's too early to call anyone favourites. IPL is a long tournament. Remember last season? Anything can happen. Let's see how they handle pressure in the middle stages. But yes, their start is fantastic.
P
Priya S
Shreyas Iyer's innings was pure class! That's what you want from your captain - to stand up when needed. The team looks balanced and hungry. After so many years of being the 'dark horse', maybe 2026 is finally Punjab's year! 🤞
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Rohit P
Batting is great, but bowling wins you trophies. 120/0 in 8 overs is a serious warning sign. If they face a team like RCB or MI on a flat track, that bowling attack could get taken apart. Need to sort out the powerplay bowling.
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Kavya N
As a PBKS fan from Mohali, this is the most confident I've felt in years! The batting lineup is so deep. Even our number 8 can hit sixes. Faf knows what he's talking about. Let's go, Kings! 💜

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