Not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli! Kevin Pietersen turns on the TV to watch Shreyas Iyer

The Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) delivered one of the most explosive chases of IPL 2026. This match witnessed young heroes and fearless cricket, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) shocked Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on their own turf by successfully chasing down a massive target of 210.

After Punjab Kings’ dominant win over the five-time champions, CSK, at their own home ground, former England superstar Kevin Pietersen has showered rich praise on Shreyas Iyer, calling him one of the most exciting leaders to watch this season.

Teen sensation Ayush Mhatre takes CSK to big total

After being asked to bat first by the touring side, Chennai Super Kings put up a strong total of 209/5 on the board at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The star of the night was Ayush Mhatre, who played a remarkable knock of 73 off 43 balls and kept Punjab under the pressure all through the middle overs.

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The 18-year-old batter played both smart and aggressive cricket, making sure CSK never fell behind the required rate. Later, Shivam Dube was unbeaten on 45 off 27, and Sarfaraz Khan’s quick 32 off 12 helped the home side to post the strong total.

Read Also: Shreyas Iyer at risk of ban in IPL 2026

Priyansh Arya’s madness and Shreyas Iyer’s class seal the IPL 2026 game for PBKS

PBKS’ chase started with pure madness from Priyansh Arya, who smashed 39 runs off just 11 balls. His power-hitting set the tone for the entertaining night in Chennai. And then came another classy display from none other than the Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer.

He hammered a 29-ball 50 with the help of four boundaries and three sixes to make sure there are no hiccups in the chase. The right-hander’s calm head and attacking mindset allowed the younger players around him to express themselves freely. PBKS reached the target in 18.4 overs.

I turn the TV on to watch him: Kevin Pietersen hails Iyer

After PBKS’ five-wicket win over CSK, Kevin Pietersen showed huge admiration for Shreyas Iyer’s performance and personality as a leader. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) on April 3: “Shreyas really is some player. I turn the TV on to watch him.”

Shreyas really is some player.
I turn the TV on to watch him

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 3, 2026

Before the ongoing season began, Pietersen stepped down from his mentor role at Delhi Capitals and returned to full-time commentary. Now, he is having a great time in the commentary box.

Read Also: Matheesha Pathirana fitness update: KKR star confirms IPL 2026 availability

Shreyas Iyer reveals PBKS’ new mantra for IPL 2026

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer opened up about the mindset he wants his team to carry through the ongoing IPL 2026 season. He said the PBKS players have started focusing on inspiring each other inside the dressing room.

The captain explained that the team isn’t chasing applause from social media or experts anymore, but they want to earn the respect of their own teammates, trust each other, and push one another to improve, and this is the real secret of their success this season so far.

Iyer said in the post-match presentation ceremony in Chennai, “Well, it's not planned, honestly speaking, but we've just decided in the dressing room that whatever happens, we are going to play a brand of cricket that is to impress each other, not others outside. So, that gives us a certain sort of clarity as well when we approach the game.”