Shreyas Iyer Aims for Redemption in 100th IPL Match Against RCB

Shreyas Iyer, captain of Punjab Kings, faces a crucial moment in his career as he plays his 100th IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After a promising start to the season, his team has suffered five consecutive losses, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. With an impressive captaincy record and a desire to bounce back, Iyer aims to lead his team to victory. However, he faces tough bowling challenges from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. Will this milestone match mark a turning point for Iyer and PBKS? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 17, 2026, 12:07 IST

Struggling Mid-Season for Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer is determined to lead his team to a much-needed victory in his 100th Indian Premier League (IPL) match against the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), at Dharamsala. After experiencing a challenging mid-season with five consecutive losses, Iyer hopes to turn the tide for his team.

The season began on a high note for Iyer's squad, boasting an impressive seven-match unbeaten streak that included six victories and one no result. However, the recent five defeats have jeopardized their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, making this milestone match even more significant for Iyer.

Iyer's Captaincy Achievements

In his IPL career, Iyer has captained three teams: Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and PBKS, totaling 99 matches. His record includes 56 wins, with two victories coming from Super Overs, 40 losses, and three no results. His overall win percentage stands at 58.3%, tying him with the legendary MS Dhoni for the highest win percentage among captains in IPL history, according to statistics from ESPNCricinfo.

For PBKS specifically, Iyer has achieved 16 wins, 11 losses, and two no results, resulting in a win percentage of 55.17%. He is recognized as one of the top captains in IPL history, having led three different teams to the finals: DC against Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2020, KKR in 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and PBKS last season against RCB. Notably, he secured a title for KKR, marking their first win since 2014.

Recent Batting Struggles

Iyer has scored 396 runs in 11 matches this season, averaging 49.50 with a strike rate of 164.31, including five half-centuries. However, his performance has dipped significantly during the recent losing streak. Aside from a solid 59 against DC, his scores in the last five matches were disappointing: 4, 5, 19, and a sluggish 30. In total, he has managed only 117 runs during these losses, averaging 23.40.

Bowling Challenges Ahead

Iyer has shown resilience in overcoming challenges throughout his career, and this match will be no exception. He faces formidable bowlers, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the current Orange Cap holder with 22 wickets, who has dismissed Iyer three times in 11 innings. Iyer has struggled against Kumar, scoring only 45 runs off 50 balls with a strike rate of 90.

Additionally, against Josh Hazlewood, Iyer's record is even less favorable, having been dismissed four times in six innings and scoring just 11 runs off 22 balls.