Shreyas Iyer lifts the lid on secret formula inside PBKS’ camp for success: 'FIFA nights, family vibe & results follow'

Shreyas Iyer highlighted the importance of togetherness during the IPL season, stressing that spending time together strengthens bonds and builds team spirit.

Updated on: Mar 20, 2026, 21:36:34 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer has emphasised that the period leading up to the IPL is crucial for building team chemistry, with the focus firmly on creating strong bonds and a close-knit, family-like atmosphere within the camp. Punjab Kings enjoyed a strong run last season, reaching the final, with the camaraderie between players and coaching staff clearly visible throughout their campaign, playing a key role in their success.

Shreyas Iyer shares secret formula with FIFA and family-like bonding. (Hindustan Times)

Iyer highlighted the importance of togetherness during the IPL season, stressing that spending time together strengthens bonds and builds team spirit.

"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," Iyer said.

Continuing on the same note, Iyer highlighted how time spent together off the field, including game-room sessions playing FIFA and other activities, helps strengthen bonds and is reflected in on-field performance.

"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," he added.

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Iyer, with Punjab Kings coming off a runner-up finish last season, made his ambitions clear, embracing the expectations while setting his sights firmly on going one step further this time and lifting the trophy. He said:

"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 asserted.

“Always challenging to come back after an injury”

Punjab Kings will open their campaign in the upcoming season against Gujarat Titans on March 31 at home.

The PBKS skipper further reflected on the challenges he has faced with injuries over the past couple of years, opening up on the hard work behind his comeback and the determination it took to return stronger.

"It is always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around seven kilos and it took a lot of effort to gain that weight back. But I love challenges. I am glad I overcame that part of my life, and I am back here proudly representing the team," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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