Shreyas Iyer emerged as one of the biggest talking points IPL 2026not only because of his explosive batting, but because of the quiet authority he presided over Kings of the Punjab to the top of the points table. Ahead of the crucial clash against Punjab Kings Rajasthan Royals In the 40th match at Mullanpur on Tuesday, the former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara He shared his thoughts on how RR could stop the PBKS skipper and said Iyer was “almost unstoppable” once he settled into the crease.
With Punjab unbeaten so far and sitting comfortably at the top with 13 points from seven matches, Iyer has played a major role in the team’s success. His leadership was sharp, his batting fearless, aggressive and highly effective in pressure situations.
Shreyas Iyer’s dominant IPL 2026 campaign
Iyer’s performances this season have answered many critics, especially those who have often questioned his ability to tackle short-run bowling. Instead of looking vulnerable, the right-hander looked in complete control, taking the pace and spin with equal confidence.
In six innings so far, he has scored 279 runs at an excellent average of 69.75 and a strike rate of 186.00. His tally now includes four half-centuries and more importantly, many of those runs have come in match-defining situations. He played the finisher perfectly, guiding Punjab through tough run chases, including successful chases of over 200 scores. His ability to absorb pressure and then accelerate has made him one of the most dangerous middle-order batsmen this season.
More than the numbers, it’s the confidence with which he bats that stands out. Be it recovering shots or finishing plays, Iyer looked like a batter in complete control of his game.
Cheteshwar Pujara reveals RR’s game plan to dismiss Iyer
Speaking to Star Sports, Pujara emphasized that Rajasthan Royals should target Iyer early and not give him time to settle. According to him, the first 10-15 deliveries that Iyer faces are the most important phase for the opposition. If RR fail to pick up their wicket in that window, the race could quickly slip away.
Pujara offered the RR captaincy Rian Parag immediately turn his strike bowlers, especially the speedster Jofra Archer and leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi. He explained that Archer’s pace and bounce could test Iyer until he eases up, while Bishnoi’s ability to take wickets in the middle overs could create pressure even though Iyer is known to be strong against spin. According to Pujara, the idea is simple – attack him before he finds rhythm.
“Try to use Jofra Archer early if you can; Ravi Bishnoi if he has a few limits. And we’ve seen Shreyas as a good spinner, but you still have to use your wicketkeeping options and Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi are both Riyaan Parag’s go-tos.” Pujara explained.
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Why does Pujara believe Iyer is unstoppable?
Pujara was full of praise for the PBKS skipper, saying that Iyer is currently batting at his best and is leading from the front. He noted that Iyer sets the standard for the rest of Punjab’s batting unit and inspires confidence in the dressing room. His aggressive intent coupled with intelligent shot selection has made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the tournament. After surviving the initial phase, Pujara believes Iyer is adapting quickly and dominating the game as the bowlers run out of answers.
“He (Shreyas Iyer) is at his best, the way he bats. He is from the front. I think Shreyas Iyer is a role model for other batsmen. So for RR, I think it’s important that they try to take his wicket early when he comes into bat and RR will have to ensure that they make Shyas10 at the first opportunity. He’s ready, he’s almost unstoppable.” Pujara added.
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