The team had a stellar run in the previous edition under Iyer\u2019s leadership as they finished runners up. Ahead of IPL 2026, PBKS retained their core group and made some smart buys in Australians Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis at the auction table.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pathan believes that Iyer is a \u2018proven cricketer\u2019 and has a shot at making it to India\u2019s T20I setup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI'm not sure that Shreyas Iyer would be thinking of using the IPL as a stage to prove himself for a comeback into the T20I side. Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer. He's done really well in T20 cricket for Punjab Kings, yes, a different franchise, and he's done really well for Team India as well. He's a very important player in one-day cricket as far as the Indian team is concerned. I think there is a place for him in the T20 setup for Team India and he's aware of that,\u201d Pathan told JioStar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pathan also recalled Iyer\u2019s memorable performance against Mumbai Indians in the previous season\u2019s playoffs, saying, \u201cThat qualifier knock against Mumbai, I still remember that shot against Bumrah, gliding that yorker down towards third man with so much time. He has improved leaps and bounds. I'm really excited to see if he can replicate the same performance this season as well. I'm confident he will.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Punjab Kings\u2019 overall team combination, Pathan expressed optimism, noting a balance between batting firepower and bowling depth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pathan also recalled Iyer\u2019s memorable performance against Mumbai Indians in the previous season\u2019s playoffs, saying, \u201cThat qualifier knock against Mumbai, I still remember that shot against Bumrah, gliding that yorker down towards third man with so much time. He has improved leaps and bounds. I'm really excited to see if he can replicate the same performance this season as well. I'm confident he will.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He further highlighted the franchise\u2019s reliance on all-rounder Mitch Owen and the strength of the fast-bowling unit, stating, \u201cAfter that, they're trying to trust Mitch Owen, who is actually a powerhouse. If he clicks, picking the fast bowlers and the rest of the line-up will not be difficult. My eyes will be on this team's fast bowlers, Arshdeep, Marco Jansen and Ferguson, they are totally sorted. They have good backups as well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n