Chandigarh: Shreyas Iyer has opened up about a difficult phase in his career, revealing that he lost nearly 7 kg due to a serious spleen injury ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

The Punjab Kings captain, who led his side to the final in IPL 2025, said the recovery process was both physically and mentally challenging.

‘Lost 7 kg due to severe injury’

Iyer sustained the injury during an ODI against Australia, which kept him out of action for a significant period.

“It is always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around 7 kg due to the injury, which was a severe one. Thankfully, I was back in good shape after two months,” he said.

However, regaining the lost weight required sustained effort and discipline.

“Gaining those 7 kg back took a lot of effort. I enjoy challenges, and that was one I had to overcome,” he added.

Strong comeback and renewed focus

Despite the setback, Iyer has made a strong return, representing India in recent international fixtures and gearing up for another demanding IPL season.

The 29-year-old remains upbeat and motivated, embracing the expectations that come with leading a competitive squad.

“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 said.

Punjab Kings aim for redemption

Punjab Kings came close to glory last season but fell short in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

With IPL 2026 approaching, Iyer is determined to go one step further and secure the title.

Team bonding key to success

Iyer emphasised that success in the IPL is not just about on-field performance but also about building strong relationships within the squad.

“This is the period where we live as a family for two months,” he said, referring to the time players spend together during the tournament.

He highlighted the importance of off-field bonding, revealing that players often spend time together in the team hotel, engaging in activities like gaming and informal interactions.

“The more time we spend together, the more we get to know each other. Building this bond off the field helps us get better results eventually,” he explained.

Conclusion: Ready for the challenge

Having overcome a tough injury phase, Iyer appears ready to lead from the front once again. With renewed fitness, strong leadership, and a clear goal in mind, he will be central to Punjab Kings’ quest for IPL glory.