Jaipur, May 17 -- Punjab Kings bowling coach James Hopes believes that the franchise skipper Shreyas Iyer has "stepped up" a level from where he stood in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Punjab Kings will continue its quest to qualify for the playoffs on Sunday against the eliminated Rajasthan Royals in the scorching heat of Jaipur. With "calm and confident" Shreyas at the helm, Punjab have transcended its inconsistent past and found the formula for success.

James Hopes, who worked with Shryeas during their time together with the Delhi Capitals, feels PBKS is "blessed" to have the 30-year-old, who stays "same" irrespective of how the game unfolds.

"He (Shreyas) is calm and confiden...