Shreyas Iyer has been the standout captain in IPL. (Image: Reuters)

If they can, why can't we? Shreyas Iyer's unbreakable mindset for record chase vs DC

Shreyas Iyer said Punjab Kings chased 265 against Delhi Capitals with a simple dressing-room message: score one more run. His remarks underlined the calm approach behind the highest successful chase in IPL history.

25 Apr 2026, 17:24 by Amar Sunil Panicker · India Today

In Short

Shreyas Iyer says PBKS only focused on scoring just one run more than DC
Punjab backed their proven chase template after KL Rahul’s 152
Iyer hails fearless Powerplay assault and calls for calm recovery

Shreyas Iyer kept it disarmingly simple after Punjab Kings pulled off one of the greatest run chases in T20 history.

After Punjab chased down 265 against Delhi Capitals with seven balls and six wickets to spare at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, Iyer revealed that the dressing room message was built on one clear idea: score just one more than the opposition.

DC vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Updates | Scorecard

That clarity defined Punjab’s approach through the chase as they shrugged off KL Rahul’s historic unbeaten 152 and hunted down the highest successful chase in IPL history with startling ease.

DC vs PBKS: ONE SIMPLE MESSAGE

Punjab Kings had just watched KL Rahul produce a breathtaking unbeaten 152, the highest score by an Indian in IPL history, while Nitish Rana’s 91 helped Delhi pile up a daunting 264 for 2. But even after being taken apart in the afternoon heat, Iyer said there was no panic in the Punjab dressing room.

Instead, the captain kept the message as uncomplicated as possible.

“In my mind, I was just saying that whatever they get from here on, I think we just have to score one more run and ensure we become victorious. And that was the mindset, nothing more, honestly speaking, because whatever balls the bowlers were bowling at that particular time, I think he was improvising and he was playing beautiful shots,” Shreyas Iyer said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“So it didn't look like he was trying really hard. I just said to myself that if they can, we can too,” he said.

It was a telling glimpse into Iyer’s leadership. There was no dramatic reset, no grand tactical sermon, just a calm reminder that the equation was simple and the target, however massive, was still only a number.

DC vs PBKS: BACKED THEIR TEMPLATE

Iyer revealed that Punjab’s confidence came from what they had already done earlier in the season. Having chased down 220-plus targets before, the dressing room believed the blueprint did not need changing. The only adjustment was to be bolder from the outset.

“We discussed that in the previous games, we chased around 220–225 with two overs left. So the mindset was very similar. Get as many runs as possible in the powerplay and they just went bonkers from ball one and steadied the ship for us. And the rest of us, we just wanted to capitalise on the start.”

That start came in devastating fashion. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya tore into Delhi’s attack and added 126 in just 6.5 overs, effectively breaking the back of the chase before the middle order even arrived. Their assault gave Punjab the platform, and Iyer did the rest, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 71 off 36 balls.

While Punjab’s batters stole the show, Iyer admitted there was plenty for his side to improve on after a bruising day in the field. But rather than dwell on the punishment his bowlers took, the captain stressed recovery, composure and perspective after another draining outing in the Delhi heat.

“Right now, we just want to have as much fun as possible and relax because we had three days of hard work, practising in the heat and playing in the heat. So, you know, relax a bit and then the day after, we'll rejuvenate and probably go back to the drawing board to see how we can come back stronger and plan successfully regarding the opponents we'll be playing in the future.”

It was vintage Iyer, clear-headed, measured and unflustered. On a night of chaos, Punjab’s captain kept the thinking simple and the chase even simpler.

- Ends