Shreyas Iyer Fined ₹12 Lakh for Slow Over Rate as PBKS Hold Nerves Against Gujarat Titans
Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer became the first player to breach the IPL Code of Conduct in the 2026 season, after his team maintained a slow over rate during their IPL match against the Gujarat Titans at the New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh. The BCCI has fined Iyer ₹12 lakh for the offence, marking his team’s first infraction of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate offences.
Iyer, who had faced injury concerns during the match, accepted the reprimand, which came despite PBKS clinching a hard-fought three-wicket victory over the 2022 champions. The win was critical as PBKS overcame a middle-order collapse to secure two valuable points in IPL 2026.
“Punjab Kings (PBKS) Captain Shreyas Iyer has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match No. 4 of the TATA IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh,” an IPL statement read.
This is not the first time Iyer has been penalized for slow over rates. Last season, he was fined twice—₹12 lakh for his first offence and ₹24 lakh for a repeated breach.
PBKS Edge Past Gujarat in a Thrilling Chase
PBKS looked in control during the chase, with Prabhsimran Singh and Cooper Connolly adding 77 runs for the second wicket. However, a late surge by Gujarat’s Impact Player, Prasidh Krishna, sparked drama. Held back until the 13th over by captain Shubman Gill, Prasidh ripped through the PBKS middle order, claiming three wickets for just three runs in ten deliveries. Punjab lost four wickets for eight runs in just 16 balls.
Despite the collapse, the young Connolly showcased remarkable composure, stabilizing the innings with partnerships alongside Australia’s Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett. Connolly’s unbeaten 72 off 44 balls earned him the Player of the Match award and helped PBKS secure a thrilling victory.
Gujarat Titans’ Brave Fight
Gujarat got off to a flying start, with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan adding 37 runs in the Powerplay. However, effective bowling from PBKS bowlers, including Yuzvendra Chahal—IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker—and Vijaykumar Vyshak, kept Gujarat’s scoring in check. Glenn Phillips tried to accelerate, but PBKS bowlers applied the brakes effectively. Even a nervy 11-ball final over from Arshdeep Singh restricted Gujarat to a total of 162, which ultimately proved insufficient.
Looking Ahead
Despite the fine, Shreyas Iyer and PBKS would be relieved to have navigated a tense chase and earned their first win of IPL 2026. With Connolly showing maturity beyond his years and the bowling unit holding firm under pressure, PBKS appear poised to build momentum as the season progresses.
