New Delhi, April 25: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has revealed the razor-sharp mental framework that guided his side to an extraordinary IPL 2026 victory against Delhi Capitals on April 25 — a philosophy as simple as it was effective: score just one more run than the opposition and stay unbeaten. PBKS hunted down a mammoth 265-run target with seven balls to spare, completing what is now the highest successful run-chase in IPL history.

Iyer's 'One More Run' Philosophy Drives Historic Chase

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Shreyas Iyer broke down the mindset that kept Punjab Kings calm even as KL Rahul was dismantling their bowling attack. "In my mind, I was just saying that whatever they get from here on, I think we just have to score one more run and ensure we become victorious. And that was the mindset, nothing more, honestly speaking," Iyer stated.

The PBKS skipper drew confidence from his team's prior chasing performances, noting that they had successfully hunted down totals of 220–225 in previous matches with two overs to spare. That institutional memory proved critical when DC posted an intimidating total powered by Rahul's historic blade.

KL Rahul's 152* — A Record-Breaking Knock That Still Wasn't Enough

KL Rahul produced arguably the finest individual innings in IPL history, smashing an unbeaten 152 — the highest score ever recorded by an Indian batter in the tournament. Yet, in a match for the ages, even that masterclass could not deliver a victory for Delhi Capitals.

Iyer was generous in his praise: "I'm running out of words, honestly speaking, because first of all, it was scorching hot to come out there and see bowlers getting hit for fours and sixes. Kudos to KL Rahul. The way he played was fabulous and pleasing to the eye." He also acknowledged that the pitch offered less turn than anticipated, with even spinner Yuzvendra Chahal finding minimal purchase after the powerplay.

Prabhsimran and Priyansh Set the Platform With Blazing Powerplay

Prabhsimran Singh top-scored for PBKS with a blistering 76, while opener Priyansh Arya hammered 43 off just 17 balls. Together, the duo plundered 116 runs in the powerplay alone, laying a foundation that made the improbable feel inevitable.

Priyansh Arya revealed the duo's calculated aggression: "We were talking among ourselves that if we try to score 80 in the first six overs, then we can easily make 100 runs if we bat smartly." He added that even when the target swelled to 265, belief never wavered in the PBKS dressing room.

Iyer himself contributed a crucial unbeaten 71, ensuring the chase was seen through with composure. His knock, combined with the openers' carnage, underlined PBKS's remarkable batting depth in IPL 2026.

Coach Ricky Ponting's Confidence Fuelled PBKS Belief

Head coach Ricky Ponting played a pivotal role in reinforcing the team's self-belief before the chase began. According to Priyansh Arya, Ponting told the squad: "If we play our best game, we can chase it comfortably." That message resonated deeply, with Arya crediting the team's unbeaten run in IPL 2026 as evidence of their collective quality.

"We are the best team till now in the Indian Premier League. So if we play our best game, we can chase it. Just keep self-belief," Arya said, encapsulating the PBKS dressing room's mood.

PBKS Remain Unbeaten — What Comes Next

Punjab Kings remain the only unbeaten side in IPL 2026, and their net run rate has received a significant boost after this record chase. Iyer acknowledged that while the bowling and fielding were not at their best in this fixture, the team would regroup after a brief recovery period. "We'll rejuvenate and probably go back to the drawing board to see how we can come back stronger and plan successfully regarding the opponents we'll be playing in the future," he said.

This victory cements Punjab Kings' status as genuine title contenders in IPL 2026. With Iyer leading from the front, Ponting providing world-class coaching infrastructure, and a batting lineup capable of chasing any total, PBKS will be the team every franchise fears as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.