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Shreyas Iyer Urges Punjab Kings to Embrace Fresh Start in IPL 2026 Opener

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has emphasized a fresh start, urging his team to leave last season's success behind as they begin IPL 2026. He highlighted the phenomenal home support the team enjoys, making it feel like a home game even at their stadium. Iyer also credited head coach Ricky Ponting as the central figure driving the team's strategy and dressing room talks. The season opener pits PBKS against Gujarat Titans, against whom they have a perfectly balanced head-to-head record.

Key Points: IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer on Punjab Kings' Fresh Start vs GT

  • Focus on the present
  • Home crowd support praised
  • Ricky Ponting's key influence
  • Head-to-head record tied with GT
  • Coming off runner-up 2025 season
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'Last season is history now, we start from ball one,' says Iyer ahead of GT clash

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer says "last season is history," focusing on a new beginning ahead of the IPL 2026 opener against Gujarat Titans.

"See, last season is history now. We start from ball one. - Shreyas Iyer"

Mullanpur, March 31

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer urged his side to move on from last season and embrace a fresh start, as he laid down a clear message ahead of their first match of the Indian Premier League 2026 to be played against the Gujarat Titans at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

"See, last season is history now. We start from ball one. It's important that we stick to the present and see to it that we enjoy each and every moment," Iyer said in a video released by the IPL.

Skipper also praised the love and support the team gets when they play at their home ground and expected the fans to continue cheering for them as they start their new season

"It certainly feels like home. The love and the support the home team got last season it was phenomenal. And I'm hoping to see a lot of them coming in numbers this season and cheering us up. It doesn't really feel like an away game," Iyer added.

Punjab Kings enjoyed a stellar campaign in IPL 2025, finishing as runners-up and marking one of their best performances in the tournament's history.

Looking ahead to the new season, Iyer highlighted the influence of head coach Ricky Ponting in shaping the team's approach and dressing room environment.

"The main guy (Ricky Ponting) of our team. So he basically runs through all the chats, all the important talks that we have inside the dressing room. And I'm sure that we'll be able to execute this season flawlessly," he added.

Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans have faced each other six times in IPL history, with both sides giving tough competition to each other, as the head-to-head record is tied with PBKS winning three encounters, and GT also came victorious on three occasions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's good to see this attitude. The pressure of being runners-up can be heavy. Starting from ball one is the right approach. Ponting's influence will be key.
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Ananya R
Love the confidence! But I hope the team isn't just relying on last year's momentum. GT is a tough first match, the head-to-head is tied. Need to be sharp from the first over itself. Bowling needs to step up.
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Vikram M
The home support in Mullanpur is always electric! If the stadium is packed, it gives such a massive boost. Hope they go one step further this season and lift the trophy. Ponting and Iyer combo looks solid.
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Michael C
Respectfully, I think the captain is downplaying last season a bit too much. That campaign built a winning culture. You don't just forget it, you build on it. The "history" line feels like a cliché.
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Priya S
Excited for the new season! The rivalry with GT is always fun to watch. Hope we get a cracking opener. Just enjoy the game, boys! The results will follow. 😊

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