Shreyas Iyer recently took to social media to share a video reflecting on his time with Punjab Kings (PBKS) during IPL 2026. Accompanying the video was a heartfelt note capturing key moments from a campaign that ultimately ended in heartbreak. Despite a valiant effort, PBKS narrowly missed out on the playoffs, concluding their journey in the group stage.
The team finished fifth in the 10-team points table, just on the cusp of qualification. Their playoff hopes were dashed at the very last moment when the Rajasthan Royals secured the fourth and final playoff spot. Rajasthan clinched their position by defeating the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in their final group fixture, ending the group stage with 16 points—just one point ahead of Punjab's 15.
This chapter closes with gratitude, next one begins with hunger: Shreyas Iyer
It was a bitter pill to swallow for PBKS, especially considering they were once on the doorstep of the playoffs. At one point in the tournament, the team was firing on all cylinders, sitting comfortably at the top of the table on the back of a spectacular six-match winning streak. However, after that sixth victory, the team suffered a massive and unexpected downfall.
A devastating string of six consecutive defeats dragged the Shreyas Iyer-led side out of the top four. Try as they might, they simply could not regain their lost momentum. Although they managed to break the losing streak and claim their seventh win in their final group-stage match, bringing their total to 15 points, it wasn't enough to propel them into the next round.
With the season now behind them, the franchise has nearly a year to regroup, analyze their shortcomings, and plan a stronger comeback. Looking ahead to the future, Shreyas Iyer used his post to vow that the team would begin a new chapter next season, driven by a renewed hunger for success.
“Every run. Every moment. Every fight. This chapter closes with gratitude, and the next one begins with hunger,” Iyer's post read.
Shreyas Iyer & PBKS' topsy turvy show in IPL 2026
Mirroring his team's rollercoaster journey, Iyer started IPL 2026 campaign with a string of powerful performances with the bat. However, as the tournament progressed and the team's momentum shifted, his individual form also hit a challenging rough patch, echoing the struggles of the broader squad. Despite those middle-tournament hiccups, PBKS skipper still put up impressive numbers, amassing 498 runs across 14 matches during the 2026 season. A standout highlight of his campaign was a brilliant, unbeaten 101* off just 51 balls against LSG.