Ambati Rayudu Backs Shreyas Iyer Ahead of IPL Clash Against Gujarat Titans

As the Punjab Kings prepare for their first match against the Gujarat Titans, Ambati Rayudu shares his thoughts on Shreyas Iyer's readiness to return to T20 cricket. Despite Iyer's absence from the format since last year's IPL final, Rayudu believes his experience will help him adapt quickly. He also suggests that Iyer should bat at No. 3 to effectively control the innings. With impressive stats from the previous IPL season, Iyer's performance will be crucial for the team's success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 31, 2026, 19:12 IST

Rayudu's Confidence in Iyer's T20 Adaptability

As the Punjab Kings gear up for their opening match against the Gujarat Titans on Tuesday in Mullanpur, Ambati Rayudu expressed confidence in Shreyas Iyer's ability to regain his T20 form. Iyer has not played a T20 match since the IPL final against the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad last year. Despite this, Rayudu believes that Iyer's experience will allow him to adapt quickly, stating that the lack of recent T20 action should not be a significant concern.

Rayudu noted that Mullanpur could present challenges for Iyer, who has only scored 27 runs in five matches at that venue. However, he feels that the added responsibility of captaincy will motivate Iyer and facilitate his adjustment. 'If it were anyone else, I might say it could be a challenge. But he is a seasoned player, so I don't think it will be a major issue. He has likely participated in numerous practice games, and for someone with his experience, it's about getting mentally prepared,' Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.

He further emphasized that leading a team often provides extra motivation, which should help Iyer perform well. Rayudu also suggested that Iyer should bat at No. 3 for Punjab Kings, as he is adept at controlling the innings and guiding other players. 'He is the type of batter who can dictate the game once he gets going. He can bat deep, even until the 15th or 16th over, which is crucial for setting the tone for Punjab,' Rayudu explained. 'With the coach being a former No. 3 player himself, he would likely prefer his captain to occupy that position as well.'

In the 2025 IPL season, Iyer had an impressive performance, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches with a remarkable strike rate of 175.07 and an average of 50.33. His contributions included 43 fours, 39 sixes, and six half-centuries, playing a vital role in leading Punjab Kings to the finals.