IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson; becomes the fourth captain…

ByTech Word News

Shreyas Iyer after first IPL ton in PBKS win over LSG (Image: ANI) Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer produced one of the best knocks of IPL 2026 to smash his first IPL century in a must-win high-pressure encounter against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Faced with a do-or-die situation in the play-offs, Iyer rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 101, guiding PBKS to an impressive seven-wicket victory and keeping their qualification hopes alive.The PBKS captain scored his century in style with a towering six as Punjab comfortably made 196 to climb into the top four of the points table and enter the final round of league matches.Batting first, LSG 196/6 in 20 overs, powered by an explosive 72 off 44 balls from Josh Inglis. However, the visitors lost momentum during the middle overs as the PBKS bowlers tightened their scoring and picked up regular wickets.Punjab’s chase got off to a shaky start with the early wickets, but Iyer anchored the innings brilliantly under pressure. Along with Prabhsimran Singh, he put together a massive 140-run partnership that completely shifted the momentum in favor of PBKS. The win not only ended Punjab’s six-match losing streak but also gave Iyer a historic moment.The PBKS captain became only the third captain in franchise history to score an IPL century after:

  • KL Rahul – 132* vs RCB (2020)
  • Adam Gilchrist – 106 vs RCB (2011)
  • Shreyas Iyer – 101* vs LSG (2026)

Iyer also entered the list of elite IPL captaincy records by becoming only the fourth captain in the history of the tournament to score a century while chasing the target.Century captains in IPL chases

  • 119 – Virender Sehwag vs Deccan Chargers (2011)
  • 108* – Virat Kohli vs Rising Pune Supergiant (2016)
  • 119 – Sanju Samson vs PBKS (2021)
  • 101* – Shreyas Iyer vs LSG (2026)

Punjab’s chances in the playoffs

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are currently fourth in the IPL 2026 points table with 15 points from 14 matches but their playoff qualification is completely out of their hands. If RR win this afternoon’s match against MI, they will reach 16 points and automatically secure the 4th spot, eliminating Punjab immediately. If RR lose to MI, Punjab will then look at the evening game. If DC beats KKR, KKR will be stuck on 13 points and DC will reach only 14 points. As Punjab have 15 points, they qualify safely.