Shreyas Iyer: The IPL Captain Making History with Multiple Teams

Shreyas Iyer has made history as the only captain to lead three different teams to the IPL finals. Despite his achievements, he often lacks recognition, as discussed by Aakash Chopra. Iyer's stellar performance with the Punjab Kings and potential future as a T20 captain could change perceptions. Explore his journey and the squad for IPL 2026 in this detailed article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 19:13 IST

Shreyas Iyer's Unique IPL Achievement

Shreyas Iyer stands out as the only captain to have led three different teams to the finals of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His remarkable journey includes guiding the Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024, and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2025 season.

Insights from Aakash Chopra on Iyer's Leadership

In a discussion on JioStar, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra examined why Iyer may not receive the recognition he deserves as a captain. Despite leading KKR to their third title, Iyer's contributions were somewhat overshadowed. Chopra noted that Iyer's leadership was diluted by the presence of a strong coaching figure, unlike the situations faced by other prominent captains like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

Chopra explained, "Iyer was in an environment where the coach, Gautam Gambhir, was a well-respected figure. In contrast, other successful captains had a more dominant role without such strong personalities overshadowing them. Iyer is not yet an India captain, but his recent performances are earning him the recognition he deserves."

Impressive Performance with Punjab Kings

As he prepares to lead the Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL season, Iyer's performance last year was noteworthy. In his debut season with PBKS, he scored 604 runs, boasting an impressive average of over 50 and a strike rate of 175.07.

Path to Enhanced Recognition

Chopra also discussed the potential for Iyer to gain further recognition as a captain. He stated, "Winning another trophy may amplify appreciation, but it won't instantly elevate his status. The next T20 World Cup in 2028 could be pivotal. If Iyer secures a leadership role, performs well, and leads his team to success, he could transform into a World Cup-winning captain, which would significantly enhance his reputation."

Punjab Kings Squad for IPL 2026

The Punjab Kings squad for IPL 2026 includes: Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen, Musheer Khan, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Shashank Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Cooper Connolly, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad, and Ben Dwarshuis.