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PBKS Skipper Iyer Reveals Fun Six-Hitting Contest Behind Record IPL 2026 Total

Punjab Kings hammered Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs after posting a season-high total of 254/7, powered by a stunning 182-run partnership between Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly. Skipper Shreyas Iyer revealed a light-hearted contest for most sixes, with the prize being his bat, helped fuel their fearless approach. Iyer emphasized the team's philosophy of allowing players to express themselves freely, crediting their individual routines for consistent performances. The experienced bowling attack then executed their plans perfectly to restrict LSG and secure a comprehensive victory.

Key Points: PBKS's Record IPL 2026 Win: Iyer on Arya-Connolly Batting Blitz

  • PBKS post season-high 254/7
  • Arya-Connolly smash 182-run stand
  • Iyer's six-hitting contest motivation
  • Bowlers restrict LSG to 200/5
  • Team philosophy backs free expression
2 min read

IPL 2026: It was exceptional to see, says PBKS skipper Iyer on Arya-Connolly batting

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer reveals a dressing room six-hitting contest fueled a record 254-run total against LSG, praising Arya & Connolly's sensational partnership.

"Well, it was exceptional to see. Some of the shots I saw from them were just jaw dropping honestly speaking. - Shreyas Iyer"

New Chandigarh, April 20

Shreyas Iyer revealed that a light-hearted six-hitting contest in the dressing room sparked Punjab Kings' batting blitz after they hammered Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs in a high-scoring Indian Premier League 2026 clash on Sunday.

PBKS, who sit atop the points table, produced another batting masterclass, piling up 254/7 - the highest total of the season so far - riding on sensational knocks from Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly. The duo stitched together a stunning 182-run stand for the second wicket in just 13.2 overs, leaving the opposition chasing shadows.

Skipper Iyer was effusive in his praise for the pair, saying, "Well, it was exceptional to see. Some of the shots I saw from them were just jaw dropping honestly speaking. Hitting fast bowlers off the back foot straight down the ground needs a lot of courage. Things can slip a bit but the way they built that partnership, especially in the middle overs was just sensational".

He also revealed the fun challenge that drove their fearless approach. "I was just talking with Cooper and Priyansh about that. I told them, let us compete in this IPL who hits most sixes and they are up for it. The prize is going to be my bat. So, it doesn't make sense. So, at the end of the day, if they keep performing and the team keeps performing, I am happy."

Iyer emphasised the team's philosophy of backing players to express themselves freely. "I personally feel that, when you just let them be and allow them to go out there and express themselves, that's when they do well. There is no such mantra for us. I think they have got their patterns set and every individual in the team follow their routines and they keep delivering. So, I don't have to tell much. We talk before the game. Ricky chips in a few words, I add a few too. The boys come and they delivery in the middle."

The bowlers then backed up the batting effort with a disciplined performance, restricting LSG to 200/5 to seal a comprehensive victory. Iyer credited the experience within his attack, stating, "Majority of our bowlers are international bowlers with immense experience. We have plans against certain batters, it's all about execution. They just shouldn't get complacent."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
I love the team culture Iyer is building. A six-hitting contest for the captain's bat? That's such a fun way to motivate players and keep the dressing room atmosphere light. It shows confidence in his team. Great leadership.
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Arjun K
PBKS looking unstoppable this season! Finally, they have a balanced side. But let's be honest, the real test will be in the playoffs. They have a history of faltering at the crucial stage. Hope Iyer's men can break the jinx this time.
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Priyanka N
As a PBKS fan from Mohali, this is pure joy! After so many seasons of heartbreak, seeing them at the top of the table feels amazing. The Arya-Connolly combo is magic. Hope they keep this form for the entire tournament. 💛
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Karthik V
Respectfully, while the batting was fantastic, conceding 200 runs in a chase of 255 isn't a "disciplined" bowling performance. The bowlers got away because the target was huge. They need to tighten up against stronger batting line-ups.
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Michael C
The blend of young Indian talent like Arya with experienced internationals is what makes IPL special. Connolly's adaptability to Indian conditions has been impressive. Great entertainment on a Sunday evening!

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