The 17th IPL 2026 encounter between Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh started with the SRH batters going all out against the Punjab Kings bowlers after the latter opted to bat first. However, it was a certain detail that was noticed by the fans as they witnessed Punjab Kings players walking out to the field in black armbands.
It left a lot of viewers wondering as the PBKS skipper, Shreyas Iyer, did not mention this during the toss and instead spoke about the game plan and the strategy they had for the game.
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Tribute to the victims of Vrindavan boat accident
The franchise later announced that the players had decided to wear black armbands as a mark of respect for the victims of a tragic boat accident which had taken place in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh on Friday, April 10. It was reported that eleven people died and quite a few got injured.
PBKS had this to say in a social media post:
"Punjab Kings players wore black armbands during today's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh on Saturday as a mark of respect for those affected by the tragic boat accident in Vrindavan. We stand in solidarity with the grieving families and community during this difficult time."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Punjab Kings (@punjabkingsipl)
As the team displayed the emotional gesture there on the field, Iyer was having his chat at the toss discussing the game plan and the rationale behind bowling first.
At the toss, Iyer said:
"We're going to bowl first. It's a day game and obviously want to get a knack of how the wicket is going to play and a fair idea. But other than that, that's what we've been doing in the last couple of games. We've been thriving on that. (Things to address?) I personally feel that you can't control the nature of the weather. You've just got to go with the flow."
He added:
"And I personally feel that we don't have to address anything at any point of time. Just back each other, back all the youngsters in the team. The more you tell them, the confusing it gets for them. So, it's better that they live in their own nature and express themselves. No, we're going with the same team. Actually, bowling first, Priyansh comes in for Nehal."
PBKS also had a change in their playing XI, as Priyansh Arya replaced Nehal Wadhera in their team for this match.
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