My eye is on the trophy: Shreyas Iyer

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer expressed his desire to take his team one step further than their runners-up finish last year. With IPL 2026 approaching, the Indian ODI vice-captain embraced the challenge and expectations around the team.

"Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy," Shreyas said at the team's jersey launch event.

Shreyas also revealed losing 7 kilograms after suffering a ruptured spleen injury during the tour of Australia last October. He underwent surgery and was sidelined for over two months before making his comeback.

"It is always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around seven kilos and it took a lot of effort to gain that weight back. But I love challenges. I am glad I overcame that part of my life, and I am back here proudly representing the team," he said.

Punjab Kings lost by six runs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final. Shreyas enjoyed a stellar campaign, scoring 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike-rate of 175.07.

PBKS open their IPL 2026 campaign with a home fixture against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, March 31.