Shreyas Iyer in action against Chennai Super Kings on Friday.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
Punjab Kings fast bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak has made no secret of his admiration for captain Shreyas Iyer, going as far as predicting that the 29-year-old will one day lead the Indian national side. The pacer, who has been one of the standout performers of the early IPL 2026 season, credits the supportive atmosphere in the PBKS dressing room as a key factor behind his confidence at the highest level.
“Shreyas Will Be India Captain Soon”
Speaking during a virtual media interaction on Sunday, Vyshak was candid about how much Iyer’s leadership style means to him. “If you see on the ground as well, he has been very supportive. He is someone who has always backed his bowlers and players. It does not matter if you are doing well or if you have not been doing well. That is something that is very important for a bowler, especially when you are playing in the IPL, where you might have a couple of difficult outings,” Vyshak said.
The Karnataka pacer went further, expressing his belief that Iyer’s qualities extend well beyond franchise cricket. In his view, Iyer has all the attributes required to one day captain India. “Shreyas has been playing for India, and I am sure he will be India captain soon,” Vyshak said.
The confidence in Iyer is not without foundation. He has built a reputation as one of the most effective leaders in the IPL, becoming the only player to captain three different franchises to the final. Most recently, he led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024 before guiding Punjab Kings to the final in IPL 2025.
Execution Over Everything Else
Vyshak has taken five wickets in his first two appearances this season for PBKS, already surpassing the four scalps he managed across the entire previous year. He has relied on wide yorkers and slower bouncers to dismiss batters against Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings.
When asked about his approach to bowling in pressure situations, Vyshak’s answer was refreshingly straightforward. He does not think about the batter, the scoreboard, or the crowd. His focus is entirely on execution.
“I do not look at whether I have bowled three overs in the PowerPlay or four in the death overs. I want to perform in a way that it does not matter if I am bowling one ball or four overs. As long as the team is winning, that is all that is required,” he said.
Central to that execution is his most reliable delivery: the wide yorker. “If I am confident on a particular day and I know I am nailing my yorkers, it does not matter which batter I am facing. As long as I am doing what I am supposed to do, I am going to win that challenge,” Vyshak explained.
Also Read: Ruturaj Gaikwad Confirms MS Dhoni Is on Track to Return in IPL 2026, Says Veteran Is Eager to Play
Shreyas Iyer’s Role in the Wide Yorker Plan
The wide yorker has not just been a personal weapon for Vyshak. In PBKS’ recent win over CSK, the delivery was a direct result of a tactical instruction from Iyer. The captain noticed that Ayush Mhatre had been collecting runs consistently on the leg side and suggested going wide outside off stump to force him into unfamiliar territory. The plan worked: Mhatre was dismissed, and Vyshak also removed Sarfaraz Khan to help restrict CSK to 209/5 before Punjab chased down the target comfortably.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra was among those who took note of both the bowling and the captaincy. “Vijaykumar Vyshak was outstanding. Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, in my opinion, was thumbs up with both hands,” Chopra said.
Domestic Cricket as the Foundation
Vyshak traces his current form back to a demanding domestic season with Karnataka, where he carried the bowling attack largely on his own even as the team fell short of winning silverware. That experience of shouldering responsibility week after week in first-class and List A cricket has given him the temperament to back himself in the most pressure-filled moments of T20 cricket.
With Punjab Kings sitting unbeaten at the top of the IPL 2026 standings and heading into a clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Vyshak’s combination of clear thinking, captain’s backing, and precision bowling makes him one of the names to watch as the tournament gathers pace.
Hi, I’m Punith, the founder of IPLMatchUpdates.in. I’ve been following and analyzing IPL and international cricket for over a decade, and my goal is to bring fans accurate news, live updates, and detailed match insights straight from the world of cricket.
Cricket isn’t just a sport to me — it’s a passion. When I’m not writing or sharing updates, you’ll find me analyzing match strategies, reviewing player performances, or debating cricket stats with fellow fans.
Through IPLMatchUpdates.in, I aim to make every cricket lover feel closer to the game we all love.
