'Shreyas Iyer has changed as a person': Ricky Ponting makes an intriguing statement amid IPL 2026

Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting has showered rich praise on Shreyas Iyer after the captain delivered another match-winning performance for the team in their IPL 2026 clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 16.

The Australian legend said that he has seen many great players over the years, but Iyer’s form, confidence, and control on the field are on a completely different level at this stage.

Shreyas Iyer’s stunning fifty powers PBKS to a dominant win over MI

The MI vs PBKS clash at the Wankhede Stadium was completely dominated by the touring side. Chasing a big target of 196, the Punjab Kings finished the match in just 16.3 overs with seven wickets in hand. With this strong win, they moved to the top of the points table and remained unbeaten.

Iyer led the PBKS from the front with a powerful knock of 66 runs from just 35 balls. He hit 5 fours and 4 sixes and kept the run rate above the needed one from the start. It was his third fifty in a row in the ongoing IPL 2026, which shows how consistent and confident he has been this season.

The biggest highlight of the chase was Iyer’s 139-run partnership with Prabhsimran Singh (80). They completely broke the Mumbai Indians' bowling attack to help PBKS record their fourth straight win in the tournament, though one game was washed out at the Eden Gardens.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma back as Mumbai Indians captain? Hardik Pandya’s mid-season sacking receives backing

Ricky Ponting hails Shreyas Iyer as Punjab Kings continue dream run in IPL 2026

After the dominant win over MI, Ricky Ponting was extremely impressed with Shreyas Iyer’s overall performance. The head coach said that Iyer is showing great maturity, better planning, and full confidence in every situation in the ongoing season.

Punjab Kings are now playing with a completely different mindset, and the former Australian captain has given credit to Iyer’s leadership, as he is guiding the team perfectly in pressure moments.

Ricky Ponting said after the match, “Shreyas Iyer has taken his game to another level. You've known him for a long time. You've seen him play. You've seen him lead. I think all aspects of his game. I think his captaincy is a whole lot stronger. He’s changed as a person and is totally in control of his game, and when you're in run chases like that and Iyer is out in the middle, you're not going to lose too many.

🗣️ 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨

🎥 Head Coach Ricky Ponting praises Arshdeep Singh’s outstanding show and elite work ethic as the duo reflect on the mantras driving #PBKS’ unbeaten run ✌️- By @MoulinParikh

🔽 Watch…

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2026

Ricky Ponting hails Shreyas Iyer’s catch as one of the best moments of the season

Another wonderful knock from the captain. The vibe is really good. This is a skill-based game. We work really hard on our skills to make sure that when we're under pressure, we can perform and we can deliver, and that's what Arshdeep did for us today. Well, the skipper, as I said, is in control of his game, captaincy, and batting.”

Read Also: Ravichandran Ashwin takes Ajit Agarkar to cleaners over Shreyas Iyer’s poor treatment

The right-handed batter has also taken a remarkable catch in this clash. During MI’s innings, Iyer pulled off an unbelievable relay catch near the boundary to dismiss Hardik Pandya. He showed great presence of mind by tossing the ball back in the air to Xavier Bartlett before crossing the boundary, which is now dubbed one of the best catches of the season by the PBKS head coach.

Ponting signed off by saying, “That's one of the greatest catches I've seen.”

SHREYAS IYER, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!! 🤯

🎥 One of the best catches you would see in the #TATAIPL history 🔥🔥

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Fn2dxJ4zYR#KhelBindaas | #MIvPBKS | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/6EKgHR82cL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2026