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"Level Up..." PBKS Coach Fires Shots At KKR For Shreyas Iyer Progression In IPL

Arnav Chopra

James Hopes and Shreyas Iyer (Source: @IPL/X.com)James Hopes and Shreyas Iyer (Source: @IPL/X.com)

In what has turned out to be an impressive campaign for Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings, their bowling coach, James Hopes, has backed the confident skipper. The former Australian cricketer has compared Iyer's credentials as captain from his previous stint with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Shreyas Iyer Gets Backing Of James Hopes

The Punjab Kings side are currently third on the points table with seven wins in 11 games, as they have 15 points and a net run rate of +0.376. All thanks to the skipper, Shreyas Iyer, who has helped this side turn their fortune around with an impressive show on the field.

The right-handed, IPL-winning skipper, who was previously with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and helped them to the 2024 IPL title victory, gets the backing of current PBKS fast bowling coach, James Hopes.

During the pre-match press conference on Saturday, Hopes was impressed by Iyer's ability to lead on the field while he has also given a solid contribution with the bat. He said:

"He (Shreyas) is calm and confident. That is the first thing he does really well, regardless of how the game goes. He is the same person. If you have a bad day as a player, he is going to be the same person towards you after the game."

Hopes, who has played for both Punjab Kings and his national side, Australia, has lauded Iyer for being calm and confident on the field, while adding that he has done an excellent job maintaining his composure with incredible personality. While mentioning that Iyer has stepped up a level from his previous captaincy stint, where he is more confident than previously. He added:

"He has stepped up a level from what he was in KKR. That just comes with playing more cricket and being more confident in what you do. We are blessed to have him in our team."

Hopes Provides Update On Marcus Stoinis And Josh Inglis

After a brief halt in the IPL due to tensions between India and Pakistan, the IPL is set to resume with the RCB and KKR game in Bengaluru. Whereas, the PBKS will play their upcoming game against Rajasthan Royals on May 18th.

They will be hoping to reunite with their two overseas stars, Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis, who haven't arrived as of now. They are hopeful that both of them will rejoin the squad after the Rajasthan game and will be available for their last two league stage matches.

"We hope Marcus and Josh join us early next week. We have added Mitchell Owen. There have been times when Marcus and Josh were not part of the squad. We will go with a similar structure. The way we will play will be similar."

Hopes also added that they have other options in their squad, and they won't face a problem without both the overseas Australian cricketers, as they can manage without them.

The Punjab side boasts a serious chance of qualifying for the playoffs this time around, as they are currently third on the table, as another win would solidify their position for the knockouts.