As the excitement builds for the upcoming IPL 2026, Shreyas Iyer has opened up about his journey back from injury and the challenges he faced during recovery.

After spending months away from competitive cricket, the Indian batter focused on regaining fitness, rhythm, and confidence. He resumed playing as Mumbai’s captain in domestic cricket and had mixed results afterwards, including a modest ODI series against New Zealand.

He revealed that the rehabilitation process after the spleen injury was one of the most difficult times in his career.

During a press conference, Shreyas Iyer detailed the impact of the injury on his fitness saying that, “it is always challenging to come back after an injury, I had lost around seven kilos and it took a effort to gain that weight back.”

Shreyas Iyer has expressed his excitement to represent his team once again. Now leading Punjab Kings, Iyer is full focused on winning the IPL trophy.

“Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy,” added Shreyas Iyer.

He emphasised team bonding off the field, saying, “This is the period where we live as a family for two months.”

Shreyas Iyer sustained a spleen injury during the ODI series against Australia in October 2025, which sidelined him for alomost two months. He missed the remainder of the ODI series and also the series against South Africa and Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy.

He underwent rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence located in Bengaluru.

His return to competitive cricket was marked by a strong performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy where he scored 82 runs off 53 deliveries, indicating his readiness to return to the field.

Although his initial performances following his return were met with mixed reactions, he gradually improved his form and regained match fitness.

As he sets his sights on the IPL, Iyer is determined to lead Punjab Kings in their pursuit of the championship.

Last year, PBKS came close on clinching their maiden IPL title, reaching the final where they suffered a narrow 6-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Shreyas Iyer will be aiming to build on last season’s progress and secure the franchise its first IPL title.

As per the PBKS 2026 schedule, they will play their first Gujarat Titans on March 31 at PCA Cricket StadiumTake it off.