LSG Vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Who Won Player Of The Match And Why It Mattered

Kalpana Kanungo May 24, 2026 1,400 Views

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was named IPL Player of the Match for his breathtaking unbeaten century in yesterday’s LSG vs PBKS clash in the 2026 Indian Premier League. Anchoring a high-pressure chase, Iyer’s 101* off 51 balls turned a tricky target into a statement win for Punjab. His knock not only sealed two crucial points but also kept PBKS firmly in the IPL 2026 playoff hunt with a marquee captain’s performance.

In a match loaded with batting stars, it was Iyer’s temperament and range of strokes that stood out. Coming in with the chase delicately poised, he paced his innings perfectly, accelerating just when Lucknow Super Giants thought they had a grip on the game.

How Shreyas Iyer Took Over The Chase

Walking out in the powerplay, Iyer initially focused on rotation of strike and low-risk boundary options to keep the required run rate under control. Once set, he shifted gears seamlessly, dismantling both pace and spin with clean hitting down the ground and over extra cover. By the final overs, he had turned the chase into a personal masterclass, finishing the job without allowing it to go to the last over.

Why The Player Of The Match Call Was A No-Brainer

The Punjab Kings skipper finished on an unbeaten 101 off just 51 balls, decorated with 11 fours and 5 sixes. His innings was the clear difference between the two sides in a high-scoring contest where several batters got starts but only Iyer converted his into a match-winning hundred. Unsurprisingly, he also swept multiple post-match awards, including gongs for most fours and most sixes in the LSG vs PBKS IPL 2026 game.

Impact On Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 Campaign

Beyond the numbers, this Player of the Match show reinforced Shreyas Iyer’s value as a big-game leader for Punjab. His ability to handle scoreboard pressure and manage chases will be vital as PBKS navigate a tight playoff race. For Lucknow, it was another reminder that even a strong total can look 20 runs short when a top-order batter plays a complete, chanceless innings.