New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Shreyas Iyer has taken the helm of Punjab Kings (PBKS) with remarkable leadership since joining the team prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Now that IPL 2026 is in full swing and Iyer's squad is leading the charts, he reiterated that the primary goal remains the same, while advocating for a process-oriented mindset.

"The goal is definitely to lift the trophy, but I firmly believe that focusing on the present allows us to control what we can influence in that moment. It's essential to go full throttle and avoid overthinking the future or regretting the past. I remind my teammates that we play for ourselves, not against anyone else. Our aim is to improve daily and ensure we give our best. When everything aligns and we find our rhythm, success naturally follows," Iyer shared with JioStar.

Having brought Punjab close to victory in IPL 2025, narrowly missing out by just six runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Iyer has become a beloved figure among fans, affectionately known as 'Sarpanch Saab' for his distinctive leadership approach.

"Initially, I was puzzled about the origin of the ‘Sarpanch’ nickname and its significance. After discussing it with teammates, I learned that ‘Sarpanch’ refers to the head of a family or community, which clarified my role and propelled my journey forward," Iyer reflected on the moniker that highlights his influence in the team.

His immediate impact was evident last season, showcased by a stunning unbeaten 97 during his debut for Punjab, where he prioritized the team's success over individual accolades.

"In that moment, I advised Shashank not to overthink, especially with 10 balls to go. I was confident I would get at least one ball. I encouraged him to play freely and not worry about my potential hundred. Ultimately, I was pleased that we achieved 240 runs in our first match, setting a positive tone for the season," he explained.

Iyer also emphasized his collaborative leadership style, recounting a pivotal moment where input from teammates was crucial during a tense match situation.

"On the field, every player contributes and their insights are valuable. When bowlers express confidence in executing a strategy, it's vital to support them. Conversely, when they seek guidance, I step in to offer my perspective. It’s a reciprocal relationship; I don’t always dictate. In team discussions, players present solid ideas that deserve acknowledgment. For instance, we devised a plan to bowl wide yorkers to Rutherford, as he was scoring heavily otherwise. This strategy paid off, leading to a standout performance from Vyshak," he stated.

Iyer also reminisced about Punjab's remarkable turnaround in a low-scoring match against Kolkata Knight Riders last season, where his team defended a modest score of 111 through relentless pressure and aggression.

"After taking two wickets, they formed a strong partnership. I wanted to instill pressure, so I positioned close-in fielders to make them feel challenged. The objective was to provoke them into making unnecessary plays, which ultimately worked in our favor," he noted.

"I adjusted the field to be more aggressive when a new batsman came in. They attempted unconventional shots, and the bowlers maintained consistency in their lines and lengths, adopting an aggressive mentality. I constantly remind them that the game isn’t over until the final ball is bowled or the last run scored. Persistence is key, as we’ve witnessed countless matches where consistent wickets apply pressure on the opposition," Iyer added.