New Delhi: Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer revealed that a six-hitting contest within his team could be the reason for them scoring the highest total of IPL 2026.
Courtesy of Priyansh Arya‘s 93 and Cooper Connolly’s 87 Punjab posted 254/7 and thrashed Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on Sunday.
“Exceptional partnership, some shots were jaw-dropping. Hitting fast bowlers off the back-foot straight. Composure in the middle overs was sensational,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation.
“Was talking with Cooper and Arya, said let’s compete for the most no. of sixes. Prize is my bat, doesn’t make sense but hope it’ll make us happy. When you let players be, I think they just deliver. That’s our mantra.”
Arya and Connolly put on 182 runs for the second wicket in only 13.2 overs to set up the victory tht strengthened their grip atop the standings.
“I don’t tell them how to go about their specific innings, they have their patterns set. Ricky Ponting motivates just before the game, I chip in, boys come in and deliver,” Iyer said.
LSG had a mountain to climb and managed 200 for five but PBKS bowlers largely were in control during their innings.
“Majority of our bowlers are international bowlers with immense experience. We have plans against certain batters, it’s all about execution. They just shouldn’t get complacent,” Iyer said.
LSG plight
LSG lost their fourth match in six outings and remained rooted at the eighth spot and skipper Rishabh Pant rued their bowling woes.
“It’s difficult to point out one area, bowler’s have done well. There have been areas of concern, some positivity with the batting,” he said.
LSG tried a new opening combination with Ayush Badoni scoring 35 off 21 balls up the order, though it was not enough.
“The idea was to go out and play freely. It was pre-decided, not a decision taken today. Tried to take the pressure off the top order. We believe in the team, but credit to PBKS for playing good, hard cricket,” Pant said.