In a high-octane Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer delivered a match-defining performance, scoring an unbeaten 97 off 42 balls to lead his team to a towering 243 for 5 against Gujarat Titans (GT). Named Player of the Match, Iyer’s knock, combined with Shashank Singh’s explosive 44 not-out off 16, set a daunting total of 243/5 that Gujarat could not overcome and lost by 11 runs.
Iyer’s leadership, both with the bat and in strategy, stood out, while GT skipper Shubman Gill rued missed opportunities despite a valiant effort from his side.
Iyer, making his debut as Punjab Kings captain after an INR 26.75 crore move in the IPL 2025 auction, wasted no time in stamping his authority. Reflecting on his innings in the post-match interview, he said:
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"Getting 97 not out in the opening game of the season for us is the icing on the cake. I got a four the first ball I faced and it got me going. That flick six off Rabada as well."
His aggressive intent was evident as he smashed nine sixes and five fours, finishing with a strike rate of 230.95. Yet, it was his selflessness in the final over, urging Shashank to go all out at a time when he was batting on 97 and could have completed his century, that defined his character.
Shashank’s contribution proved pivotal, with Iyer acknowledging its importance. As Iyer gave him the licence to go for the kill, Shashank smashed 23 runs off Mohammed Siraj in the final over of the innings.
"44 runs he (Shashank) scored off 16-17 balls was pretty crucial for the team. We set a benchmark that we had to go for it. With the dew coming things could change and thankfully he performed."
Iyer also praised his bowlers, particularly Vyshak Vijaykumar and Arshdeep Singh, for their execution under pressure. Vyshak came in as an Impact Player and conceded just 10 runs in his first two overs. The Titans at one stage were in the hunt, needing 75 runs in six overs. However, Vyshak's spell of 0-28 in three overs did not let them close down the game. GT, eventually, fell short of the total by 11 runs.
"He (Vyshak) is a funny character. He has got traits in him where he comes in with the right attitude. He bowled the yorkers straightaway. Kept his calm and composure."
Arshdeep finished with the figures of 2-36 in four overs. He was the pick of the bowlers for Punjab. On Arshdeep’s role, Shreyas added,
"Arshdeep played an important role in that (the wide yorker plan). He came in and said the ball is actually reversing a bit so the saliva on the ball is helping the bowlers a bit I guess. He got Sai and that changed the momentum for us and then he came in and said let's start the wide yorkers earlier than trying it too late."
The victory, Iyer emphasized, was a team effort rooted in meticulous preparation.
"Before the season started we left no stone unturned. In our meetings everyone chipped in with what we can execute on the field and it wasn't just me talking. We look to carry forward the momentum into the other games as well," Iyer concluded.
Shubman Gill Laments Missed Chances After GT's Loss to PBKS
Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill, tasked with chasing 244, admitted his team faltered at key moments.
"I think we got our chances when we were bowling and batting. Too many runs were given away. We let ourselves down on the field as well. Those three overs in the middle when we scored 18 runs, that and the first three overs we didn't score too many runs. That costed us the game," Gill said.
Despite the loss, Gill found silver linings.
"Many positives as well. Good start to the tournament I guess," he noted.
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He also tipped his hat to Punjab’s bowling, particularly Vyshak’s impact as a substitute.
"Never easy for someone to come in as an Impact player and bowl those yorkers when you have been on the bench for 15 overs. Credit to them for bowling yorkers on the trot."
Reflecting on the Ahmedabad pitch, he added,
"I mean it is always a good batting wicket here to bat on. You might score 240-250, but you have to restrict the opposition as well."
For Gujarat, the challenge now is to regroup and address their fielding and bowling lapses ahead of their next outing. They will host Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 29 in Ahmedabad.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings will look to maintain their winning start. They will be up against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 1 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
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