Ambati Rayudu stated Shreyas Iyer is unlikely to be too bothered about his T20 rhythm forward of Punjab Kings’ opening match in opposition to Gujarat Titans on Tuesday in Mullanpur. Shreyas has not performed a single T20 since final yr’s IPL last in opposition to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Rayudu stated the shortage of latest T20 cricket shouldn’t be a serious concern, backing the skilled batsman to regulate rapidly. Whereas he admitted Mullanpur may pose a problem with Shreyas managing simply 27 runs in 5 video games on the venue, Rayudu felt the added duty of captaincy would supply additional motivation and assist him settle in.
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“Typically, if it had been anyone else, I might say it may pose a giant problem. However he’s an skilled participant and a seasoned campaigner, so I do not assume it ought to matter as a lot. He would have performed loads of observe video games, and for somebody of his expertise, it is all about mentally tuning in. So I do not assume will probably be a problem,” Rayudu instructed ESPNcricinfo.
“That stated, the Mullanpur floor may very well be a check as a result of he hasn’t actually performed effectively there. However I feel main a aspect all the time provides you that additional motivation, so I do not see it being a problem for him,” Rayudu stated.
‘No.3 very best for Shreyas Iyer’
Rayudu additionally stated Shreyas ought to bat at No.3 for PBKS, backing him to manage the innings as soon as set. He added that the Punjab batter’s capability to bat deep and information others makes him very best for the position and setting the tone.
“I feel he ought to bat at No.3 as a result of he’s the sort of batter who, as soon as he will get going, can actually management the sport. He also can take the opposite batters alongside and bat deep, even as much as the fifteenth or sixteenth over, which permits him to set the tone for Punjab.
“I really feel No.3 is the perfect place for him, and with the coach himself being a former No. 3 stalwart, he would most likely need his skipper to bat there as effectively,” Rayudu added.
Shreyas was excellent in IPL 2025, scoring 604 runs in 17 matches at a median of fifty.33 and a blazing strike charge of 175.07. He smashed six fifties, hit 43 fours and 39 sixes, and performed a key position in taking PBKS to the ultimate.
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