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Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered their first defeat of the IPL 2026 season after a high-scoring clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR), despite posting a formidable total. Skipper Shreyas Iyer addressed the loss candidly, pointing out execution lapses with the ball while also admitting that fatigue may have played a minor role in the outcome.
Shreyas Iyer reflects on PBKS’ first defeat
Iyer felt that PBKS had put up a more than competitive total on a tricky surface but failed to capitalize with the ball. According to the captain, the team fell short in executing their bowling plans, especially during crucial phases of the chase, which allowed RR to build momentum through key partnerships.
He also acknowledged the impact of the middle-order stand between Donovan Ferreira and Shubham Dubey, which proved decisive in tilting the game in Rajasthan’s favor. While PBKS had been consistent in both defending and chasing big totals earlier in the season, this game highlighted areas that need improvement, particularly in pressure situations.
Despite the loss, Iyer remained optimistic, stressing the importance of sticking to the team’s processes and routines while learning from the setback.
Shreyas Iyer opens up on fatigue, bowling execution, and positives
"I thought 224 (222) on the board was a brilliant score. Kudos to the batsmen, the way they came up and they went against the bowlers. I think it was an exceptional performance, especially on this wicket, which was a bit tacky and slow. And I think we fell a bit short in our bowling, in terms of execution. We had planned to bowl a lot of slower ones, pace off, yorkers. I think we fell a bit short over there. And also, they had tremendous partnership in the middle, especially by Ferreira and Shubham Dubey coming in and scoring those crucial runs at the end. (on the bowling unit which has struggled this season) See, this is the format where I feel that a lot of players have changed their game and when they come in, they go bang from ball one. So it's an arduous task for bowlers to come with a certain plan. But at the end of the day, I feel it's all about execution. If you have a certain plan set, when you execute it well, you come out triumphs." Iyer said
"And today it just wasn't our day. (what do you say to try and get back to winning ways?) I think it's important that we stick to the things that we've been doing, the routines and the processes that we've been following throughout. We had a match, we had to travel and then come and play another game. So I think the body was also a bit fatigued, but that can't be the reason over here. But we've got couple of days to refresh, go back to the drawing board and come back strong. (learnings from this loss) Well, absolutely. I feel that this is our first loss of the season, so it definitely teaches you a lot. And also, we've played a lot of games where we have chased 200-plus, we have defended 200-plus. So this is just one of those games where things didn't go our way and we just have to push it aside," he added.
"And I feel that in retrospect, many things could have happened, but I just want to stay positive going ahead and be optimistic in our approach. (on Harpreet Brar) Yes, absolutely. I felt that it was difficult to score off the spinners because it was holding a bit and it was offering them a little bit of turn as well. Not that much, but a little bit. But Harpreet Brar, yes, coming in his first game, showing that kind of personality where he just gives 25 runs off four balls [overs] and turning out to be the best bowler in the team. I think hats off to him, the way he kept his approach and his attitude throughout this game. (new venue - Dharamsala, what does that do?) Nothing, just win (smiles)," Iyer added.
Punjab Kings are now set to face the Gujarat Titans on Sunday, May 3, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
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