Faf du Plessis Backs Punjab Kings as Strong Title Contenders in IPL 2026

In the ongoing IPL 2026 season, Faf du Plessis has lauded the Punjab Kings for their impressive batting depth, calling them strong title contenders. He highlighted captain Shreyas Iyer's pivotal role in their recent six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Iyer's match-winning performance was crucial. Despite minor concerns in the bowling department, du Plessis remains confident in PBKS's capabilities. This article delves into the team's performance and their journey in the tournament so far, making it a must-read for cricket enthusiasts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 12, 2026, 17:19 IST

Du Plessis Praises PBKS as Title Contenders

Faf du Plessis, the South African cricketer, has commended the batting strength of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, labeling them as one of the top title contenders. During his appearance on Star Sports, du Plessis noted that the batting lineup of PBKS has been consistently impressive, mirroring their performance from the previous season when they reached the finals. He stated, "The batters of PBKS are performing exceptionally well, which is crucial for their success in the IPL once again. Last season, every batter played a vital role in their journey to the finals, and this season, they are delivering once more."

Captain Shreyas Iyer's Impact

Du Plessis also acknowledged the contributions of captain Shreyas Iyer, who, after a slow start, made a significant impact with a match-winning performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Mullanpur. He remarked, "Shreyas Iyer was the only top-order batter yet to score runs, but he stepped up with a substantial score, leading his team to victory against SRH."

Bowling Concerns Addressed

While he praised the overall performance of PBKS, du Plessis did express some concerns regarding the bowling department, particularly the form of Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen's off day. He commented, "PBKS is ticking all the boxes and is a formidable team. However, there are a few questions. Arshdeep Singh may not be bowling at his best, and Jansen had an off day. But these issues are not serious."

Punjab Kings' Thrilling Win Over SRH

Punjab Kings continued their flawless start to the IPL 2026 season with an exhilarating six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Kings faced a strong Hyderabad team that raced to 120/0 in just eight overs. However, a remarkable comeback from the bowling unit limited SRH to 219/6.

In reply, the batting prowess of Punjab was on full display, with openers Priyansh Arya (57 off 20) and Prabhsimran Singh (51 off 25) providing a rapid start. Captain Shreyas Iyer then showcased his finishing skills, scoring an unbeaten 69 off just 33 balls, leading the team to a total of 223/4 in 18.5 overs.