Shreyas Iyer Says Punjab Kings Players Prefer FIFA Over Nets to Build Team Chemistry

Shreyas Iyer revealed how FIFA sessions boosted Punjab Kings’ bonding ahead of IPL 2026, while Arshdeep Singh called pressure a privilege.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer said on March 20 that the Punjab Kings’ team spends most pre-season time in a shared game room. He stressed that video games help players connect quickly before IPL 2026.

The team had gathered in Mohali for a jersey launch event. PBKS will open their campaign against the Gujarat Titans on March 31. Iyer believes strong off-field bonding improves on-field performance. He added that match strategies take shape one or two days before games.

“This is the period where we live as a family for two months. The more time we spend together, the more we get to know each other. Now is the time where we build that camaraderie. We spend most of our time in the game room, playing FIFA and other games. The planning and plotting for matches usually happens a day or two before the game, but building this bond off the field helps us get better results eventually,” Shreyas said.

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“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,” he added.

Arshdeep Singh Sees Pressure as Motivation

Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh described pressure as a positive factor ahead of IPL 2026. He noted that support from around 30,000 fans creates strong motivation.

“When you feel the pressure, it is a privilege. It is a lot of fun when you get so much support from the crowd. When people cheer for you, you feel that 30,000 people are running in with you at that time. We will try our best to win all our home matches this year,” Arshdeep said.

“When I came here for the first time, they gave me full support and showed me my potential. They trusted me a lot when no other team did. I really appreciate that, and I want to stay here for a long time. I am looking forward to winning a lot of trophies for the team,” he added.

Punjab enters the 2026 season with higher expectations after finishing as runners-up in 2025.