Shreyas Iyer has gained attention for his leadership of the Punjab Kings (PBKS), guiding them to their first Indian Premier League (IPL) final in 11 years in 2025, despite losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In the ongoing 2026 season, PBKS remains unbeaten after six matches, leading to speculation about Iyer's inclusion in India's T20 International (T20I) setup and potential captaincy. However, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan advises Iyer to prioritize his performance over leadership aspirations. Zaheer noted that Iyer should focus on making a significant impact as a player to secure his place in the national team, especially since he was not part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad earlier this year. In a recent match, PBKS achieved a remarkable 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants, with Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly scoring 93 and 87 runs, respectively, contributing to a season-high total of 254/7. Iyer praised the team's batting partnership and emphasized the importance of allowing players to express themselves on the field.