Shreyas Iyer has begun his difficult journey back from injury as he prepares to lead Punjab Kings in IPL 2026. India’s ODI vice-captain said getting back to full fitness after a major setback was one of the toughest phases of his career.
Speaking at the Punjab Kings press conference in Chandigarh, Iyer reflected on his recovery and the physical toll it took, while outlining his ambitions for the upcoming IPL season.
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VIDEO | Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer spoke about his personal journey to return to the field after a severe spleen injury sustained during the third ODI against Australia.
“Coming back from an injury is always difficult. I lost about 7 kg because of the injury.” pic.twitter.com/x1y4JJDkEv— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 20, 2026
“Coming back from an injury is always challenging. I lost around seven kilos and it took a lot of effort to regain that weight,” Iyer said.
“But I love a challenge. I’m glad I got over that part of my life and I’m back and proud to represent the team.”
HOW DID SHREYAS IYER GET INJURED?
Iyer suffered a spleen injury during the series against Australia in October 2025, which forced him out of action for nearly two months.
The injury meant he missed the ODI series against South Africa as well as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, denting his momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
He completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru before returning to competitive cricket in early 2026. His comeback was marked by a fluent 82 off 53 balls for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, signaling his readiness for a comeback.
Although his initial performances on his return drew mixed reactions, Iyer gradually regained his form and match fitness ahead of the international calendar.
Now his focus is firmly shifting to the IPL where he will captain the Punjab Kings in the 2026 season.
PBKS came close to ending last year’s title drought, reaching the final before falling behind against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With the core and momentum from last season settled, the franchise will aim to go one step further this time around.
For Iyer, the goal is clear: to build on last year’s run and deliver the franchise’s first IPL title.
Iyer, who has already proven his leadership for both PBKS and KKR by leading them to the IPL 2024 title before moving to Punjab, now returns not just as a player who has overcome a major setback but as a captain who wants to get the job done.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
20 March 2026 20:34 IST
