Mumbai, March 17 -- Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed optimism in Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer replicating his last season's form and leadership, adding that while there is a spot for him in the Indian T20I set-up, the right-hander is a "proven cricketer" who does not need to use the Indian Premier League (IPL) to present his case for a return to T20I team.

Punjab Kings, the last season's runners-up, will start their IPL campaign against 2022 champions Gujarat Titans on March 31 at New Chandigarh. After a brilliant run last year, there will be massive hopes from the side with Shreyas and head coach Ricky Ponting forming a powerful leadership duo. Last year, Iyer finished as his side's top run-getter and overall...