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Shreyas Iyer Embraces 'Sarpanch' Title as Punjab Kings Dominate IPL

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer has embraced his 'Sarpanch' nickname, which signifies leadership within the group. Under his captaincy, PBKS remains the only unbeaten side in the IPL 2026 season, currently topping the points table. Iyer is in superb personal form, averaging 67.67, while teammate Prabhsimran Singh has also been destructive at the top of the order. In contrast, the Kolkata Knight Riders are struggling at the bottom with just one point.

Key Points: Shreyas Iyer on 'Sarpanch' Title & Punjab Kings' IPL Run

  • PBKS unbeaten in IPL 2026
  • Iyer's 'Sarpanch' nickname explained
  • Iyer averaging 67.67 this season
  • Prabhsimran Singh's explosive form
  • KKR struggles at bottom of table
2 min read

"I love it": Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer on 'Sarpanch' title

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer discusses his 'Sarpanch' nickname and leadership as his unbeaten team tops the IPL 2026 points table.

"I love it... 'Sarpanch' means the head of a family, a group, or even a district. - Shreyas Iyer"

New Delhi, April 18

Last year's runners-up, Punjab Kings, are unbeaten in this year's Indian Premier League, and the credit should be given to the solid leadership of Shreyas Iyer.

Iyer seems to have unlocked a new gear ever since joining Punjab Kings, and after falling short at the final hurdle in the IPL 2025, the PBKS skipper is determined to go one better this season.

Fondly known as 'Sarpanch' among the fans of Punjab Kings, the skipper has made 203 runs in four innings so far this year at an astonishing average of 67.67 and strike rate of 187.96. He has hit 14 sixes and as many fours in this season so far.

Speaking on JioStar's 'Believe', PBKS Captain opened up on how the title of 'Sarpanch' has sat with him since joining the franchise.

"I love it. I was clueless at the start of my journey with Punjab Kings about how the 'Sarpanch' tag came up and what it meant. But later, when I asked a couple of my teammates, they explained that 'Sarpanch' means the head of a family, a group, or even a district. That gave me clarity, and from there onwards, my journey started," he said.

Punjab Kings are the only unbeaten side in the IPL 2026 and currently stand at the top of the points table with nine points in five matches. Their match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was washed out, and one point was given to each side.

That was the only point KKR have earned this season as they are currently at the bottom of the table with five defeats in six matches.

The uncapped Indian batter, Prabhsimran Singh, has also been in red-hot form for the Punjab Kings with 211 runs so far in this season. Opening the batting for PBKS, the destructive batter has made runs at an average of over 70 and a strike rate of 172. He has hit 22 fours and 11 sixes so far.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
His stats are unbelievable! Average of 67 and SR of 187? That's pure domination. But let's not forget Prabhsimran Singh. He's been a revelation at the top. The future of Indian batting looks bright with such talent in the IPL.
R
Rohit P
As a long-suffering PBKS fan, I'm cautiously optimistic. We've seen great starts before and then the collapse. Iyer needs to ensure the team doesn't get complacent. The real test will be in the playoffs.
S
Sarah B
It's heartwarming to see a player embrace a nickname rooted in local governance ('Sarpanch'). It shows a connection with the fans and the region. Great story of leadership and cultural integration in sports.
V
Vikram M
While Iyer is doing great, the article glosses over the fact that their one point came from a washout. They haven't been truly tested in a pressure chase yet. The middle order looks a bit thin. Just saying, don't count your chickens before they hatch!
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Karthik V
The contrast with KKR is stark! From champions to bottom of the table. Shows how quickly fortunes change in the IPL. PBKS is looking like the team to beat this year. Yellove brigade is finally firing! 💛

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