Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has backed Shreyas Iyer to guide Punjab Kings to glory if he maintains his form. PBKS won their last league stage match against Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday. With this win, PBKS were able to snap their six-game losing streak.

Iyer scored a magnificent knock of 101 off 51 balls, which is his maiden IPL century. The PBKS skipper smashed 11 fours and five sixes in his blistering knock. But PBKS will have to depend on other results to qualify for the playoffs. The Mohali-based would hope that Rajasthan Royals loses their final game against Mumbai Indians. 

“Shreyas Iyer is a very strong middle-order force, he batted really well today, and he put on a good partnership with Prabhsimran Singh. They complemented each other really well. This was necessary for Shreyas Iyer, because now if they qualify, his form will create problems for other teams. PBKS can win three matches in a row now if he is in form,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

“If RR wins, what is the use of PBKS’ newfound rhythm and confidence, they will have to wait for the next season then. If this had come even one match earlier, then they would have been on 17 points, and they would have qualified with a laugh. PBKS played like a team today,” he added.

On the other hand, former Indian batter Manoj Tiwary observed that Shreyas Iyer was relieved after PBKS won their first match after almost a month.

“That was a massive sigh of relief from him, it was quite visible on his face as well. We saw the celebrations in the dugout, and this was a double celebration for Shreyas Iyer, because you won the match for your side and also scored your first IPL hundred. So, that laughter is justified, and Punjab have done their part now. They have controlled the controllables,” he said.

The Eliminator will be played in Mullanpur and thus PBKS will have the home advantage if they qualify.