'A captain who backs his players a lot' - Prabhsimran Singh on Shreyas Iyer's captaincy [Exclusive Interview]

Prabhsimran opened up on how good a captain Shreyas Iyer is, despite the latter being dropped from India's squad for the Asia Cup 2025.

Published - 21 Aug 2025, 18:02 IST | Updated - 23 Aug 2025, 09:12 IST

5 Min Read

'A captain who backs his players a lot' - Prabhsimran Singh on Shreyas Iyer's captaincy [Exclusive Interview]

The Indian cricket was dominated by attacking batters like Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh when Prabhsimran Singh started watching cricket. Their marauding stroke play inspired him to pick up a similar aggressive mindset to go hard on the ball right from the word 'go'. Over the years, Prabhsimran has become one of the most dependable opening batters in the Indian Premier League, representing a star-studded Punjab Kings' line-up.

During an exclusive chat with CricTracker, Prabhsimran disclosed his cricketing idols, the biggest turning point of his cricket career, influence of Yuvraj Singh on his abilities as a player. He also picked his all-time IPL XI, choosing some proven performers over the years in his playing combination. He further opened up on how good a captain Shreyas Iyer is, despite the latter being dropped from India's squad for the Asia Cup 2025.

Excerpts

You’ve been an explosive opener for Punjab Kings – what’s been the biggest turning point in your IPL journey so far?

When Shikhar [Dhawan] paaji was appointed as the captain two years ago, he gave me the surety that I will play all the games. In the same season, I scored a century. It was a turning point in my career.

During IPL 2025, Matthew Hayden compared your six-hitting abilities to MS Dhoni. Your comments on that?

It feels good to always get compared. MS Dhoni has done a lot for the country. I haven’t been able to do anything compared to him. But, I would love to do a lot. At the end of the day if anyone compares you to a big player, it feels good and you also realize that you have ability within you.

A few words on how Yuvraj Singh influenced your career

Yuvi paji has played a big role in my career. I always talk to him like a brother and not like a player. I, Abhishek, Naman Dhir and Nehal Wadhera practice with him. We had a 10-12 days of camp with him last time around. He knows very well on what exact things we’ve to work on. On weekly basis, I get to speak with him. He has supported me a lot.

Many people see you as a future Indian star – Do you feel that pressure, or does it motivate you?

When I started cricket as a youngster, my goal was to represent India and play for the nation. My aim is also to play for a long period of time and do well for the country.

Who’s the toughest bowler you’ve faced in the IPL so far and why?

Bumrah bhai. I felt tough to play against him in the IPL.

Who is your cricketing idol and why?

From the start, for me it is Virender Sehwag and Adam Gilchrist. When I started playing cricket, I used to watch Sehwag’s batting a lot on YouTube. I used to play a lot of attacking cricket. My coach used to say that my batting style resembles Sehwag’s. I like his batting a lot. If I get a chance, I would love to meet him and practice with him.

Can you take us through the dressing room environment after PBKS lost to RCB in the IPL 2025 final?

We went close to the trophy after the gap of 11 years. We were just one step away from lifting the trophy. Hopefully, we will do well next year. Thanks to coach, owners and Shreyas bhai, they have motivated us after the final. I’ve been part of the Punjab Kings for seven years, and it was my first final, there was a different kind of pressure altogether. We will make everyone happy next year.

Would you like to tell us something about Shreyas Iyer as captain?

He is a captain who backs us a lot, which is very important for a youngster. If a captain backs you and tells you at the start of the tournament that you’re going to play all the games of the season, then you would always think for the betterment of the team instead of your place in the team. Our coach and captain always assured my place and my focus was always on taking the team one step further.

A few words on Ricky Ponting’s role in your career?

When I was retained, he messaged me and it felt very good. When he was with Delhi Capitals as a coach, I scored a century against Delhi. He might have seen my performance. He informed me that he wasn’t coming into the team as a coach, but to make me a better player and take one step further and I’ve seen that in my performance. It’s not like I didn’t make any technical changes, but it’s about the tension free atmosphere, enjoy a lot and work hard to improve your performance.

What perspective-changing advice did you receive from Sachin Tendulkar during your initial IPL playing days?

There will be a lot of ups and downs in every player’s career. Whenever I am down, I watch that 30–40 seconds video from Sachin paji in the team bus and go to practice. I feel motivated whenever I watch that video as he is god of cricket for us. After that, it feels like I am giving more than 100% in my practice.

What are your emotions after Punjab retained you and Shashank Singh as the only two uncapped players?

Money doesn’t matter much to me, but the franchise matters a lot as it was sixth consecutive year for me with Punjab Kings at that point in time. You get an idea that once you’re retained, you get to play. Then the mindset shifts towards your performance. My only goal was to get play well for the franchise.

Your all-time IPL XI?

Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, AB de Villiers, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Kieron Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lasith Malinga

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