Punjab’s spinner Yuzvendra Chahal made a light-hearted request to team co-owner Preity Zinta during IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026, asking for a chance to open the batting in one of the matches. Zinta responded with humour, saying he could do so after the tournament ends.
Under captain Shreyas Iyer, Punjab have enjoyed an impressive campaign this season. The side has won six of its first seven matches, while one game was washed out due to rain, leaving them at the top of the points table.
The team recently completed the biggest successful run chase in IPL history against Delhi , further strengthening their position in the tournament.
Following Punjab’s strong run, Zinta interacted with fans on social media platform X and invited questions from supporters. Chahal joined the conversation and wrote, “Ma’am, can I get one match to open the batting?”
Zinta replied, “Of course, Yuzi. Anything for you. After the IPL is over, you can play whichever match you like. I’m sure Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya won’t have any problem with that.”
Punjab’s current opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been in outstanding form this season, providing solid starts at the top of the order. The duo has scored at an average of 57.4 with a strike rate of 192.61.
Arya has scored 254 runs so far, while Prabhsimran has made 287 runs in six innings from seven matches at a strike rate of 192.62.
Punjab have also become the first team in IPL history to keep an unchanged playing XI in their opening seven matches of a season, underlining the balance and consistency within the squad.
