Shreyas Iyer has emerged as one of the biggest talking points of IPL 2026, not just for his explosive batting but also for the calm authority with which he has led Punjab Kings to the top of the points table. Ahead of Punjab Kings’ crucial clash against Rajasthan Royals in Match 40 at Mullanpur on Tuesday, former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara shared his thoughts on how RR can stop the PBKS captain, calling Iyer “almost unstoppable” once he settles at the crease.
With Punjab unbeaten so far and sitting comfortably at the summit with 13 points from seven matches, Iyer has played a massive role in the team’s success. His leadership has been sharp, while his batting has been fearless, aggressive, and highly effective in pressure situations.
Shreyas Iyer’s dominant IPL 2026 campaign
Iyer’s performances this season have answered many critics, especially those who had often questioned his ability against short-pitched bowling. Instead of looking vulnerable, the right-hander has looked in complete control, taking on pace and spin with equal confidence.
In six innings so far, he has scored 279 runs at a remarkable average of 69.75 and a blistering strike rate of 186.00. His tally already includes four half-centuries, and more importantly, many of those runs have come in match-defining situations. He has played the role of finisher brilliantly, guiding Punjab through challenging run chases, including successful pursuits of 200-plus totals. His ability to absorb pressure and then accelerate has made him one of the most dangerous middle-order batters this season.
More than the numbers, it is the confidence with which he bats that has stood out. Whether rebuilding an innings or finishing games, Iyer has looked like a batter completely in control of his game.
Cheteshwar Pujara reveals RR’s gameplan to dismiss Iyer
Speaking on Star Sports, Pujara stressed that Rajasthan Royals must target Iyer early and not allow him the time to settle in. According to him, the first 10 to 15 deliveries Iyer faces are the most crucial phase for the opposition. If RR fail to take his wicket in that window, the contest could quickly slip away.
Pujara suggested that RR captain Riyan Parag should turn to his strike bowlers immediately, especially speedster Jofra Archer and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. He explained that Archer’s pace and bounce can test Iyer before he gets comfortable, while Bishnoi’s wicket-taking ability in the middle overs can create pressure even though Iyer is known to be strong against spin. The idea, according to Pujara, is simple—attack him before he finds rhythm.
“Maybe try and use Jofra Archer early on if you can; if he has a couple of overs left, also try and use Ravi Bishnoi whenever possible. And we have seen that Shreyas is a good player of spin, but still you need to utilize your wicket-taking options, and Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi both are the ones whom Riyan Parag should go to,” explained Pujara.
Why Pujara believes Iyer becomes unstoppable?
Pujara was full of praise for the PBKS skipper, saying Iyer is currently batting in his prime and leading from the front. He noted that Iyer is setting the standard for the rest of Punjab’s batting unit and inspiring confidence throughout the dressing room. His aggressive intent combined with smart shot selection has made him one of the most reliable batters of the tournament. Once he survives the initial phase, Pujara believes bowlers run out of answers because Iyer adapts quickly and dominates the game.
“He’s (Shreyas Iyer) in his prime form, the way he’s been batting. He’s leading from the front. I think Shreyas Iyer is setting the example for the rest of the batters to follow. So for RR, I think it’s important that they try and pick up his wicket early on when he walks into bat, and RR will have to ensure that they create that opportunity in the first 10-15 deliveries which Shreyas faces because once he is set, he’s almost unstoppable,” added Pujara.
