Ravichandran Ashwin predicts "Greatness" for Shreyas Iyer amid his IPL 2026 dominance

India’s middle-order batter and Punjab Kings (PBSK) captain, Shreyas Iyer, is looking like a completely different player in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). The way Shreyas Iyer is batting right now, it feels like everything is going in his and the Punjab Kings’ favor.

The PBKS captain has brilliantly carried his batting strength from the IPL 2025 to this season. Iyer’s confidence, his body language, and his control at the crease are making a big difference, and it is helping PBKS win matches in the ongoing tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin impressed by Shreyas Iyer's dominance in IPL 2026

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was highly impressed by Shreyas Iyer’s transformation. He pointed out that this is not just about runs or big shots but about the way he is carrying himself on the ground. Even before facing a ball, his presence gives a strong message to the opposition.

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Ashwin feels Iyer is currently in that rare phase where everything just works perfectly, saying his timing, confidence, and decision-making look spot on. The numbers prove that Iyer has so far scored 50, 69*, and 66 in his last three innings at an impressive rate of nearly 188 in IPL 2026.

The former Indian all-rounder also pointed out Iyer’s approach towards his weaknesses has changed this season. Earlier, there were questions about his ability against short-pitched bowling, but now, he is taking on that challenge instead of avoiding it.

Shreyas has embarked on the journey of becoming great player: Ashwin

And Ashwin hailed Shreyas Iyer for showing intent to improve his weakness and believes that this mindset can make him a great player. He also pointed out how bowlers are also changing their plans against him. Since he is handling short balls better, they are trying different lines, but Iyer is adjusting quickly and finding ways to score, and it has become even more dangerous.

Ravichandran Ashwin was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “I personally think Shreyas has embarked on the journey of going from being good to being great. And I'm not saying he is great. I'm saying it's a journey. It has been said that he can't play the short ball.

He said, 'Okay, I'll pull the short ball in a Test match and get out, but I'm not shying away from the contest.' Pulling Jasprit Bumrah from front of square over midwicket for a six. That's probably inspirational to a lot of cricketers watching the game.”

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The commentator added, “And then he is hitting fast bowlers down the ground. He has always been very good at hitting it down the ground. But why is he doing it? Because people are not bowling short to him anymore. They know he is putting it away. And that's sensational.”

Shreyas Iyer growing stronger in captaincy role: Ashwin

Ashwin feels Iyer has created a simple and friendly team environment, and then his batting form is lifting his captaincy as PBKS shine with strong results since he took over the reins.

The former off-spinner signed off by saying, “He is growing into the role of being a leader. And I think the way he is batting, he is growing into the role of a leader that the players are looking up to, which is a lethal combination.”