Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer proved but once more that his Indian Premier League (IPL) title triumph final season with Kolkata Knight Riders was no fluke. Iyer, as captain, performed pivotal function in KKR’s highway to the title final 12 months, although the vast majority of the credit score for the staff’s triumph went to the assist workers. Main PBKS to the playoffs, Iyer gave one other instance of his astute management qualities, whereas additionally silencing critics questioning his skillset. As Punjab Kings certified for the playoffs with a victory in opposition to the Delhi Capitals on Sunday, Iyer scripted historical past by notching up a never-seen-before milestone in IPL historical past.
With Punjab Kings’ qualification to the final 4, Shreyas Iyer has grow to be the primary captain within the league’s historical past to steer three totally different franchises — Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders being the opposite two – to IPL playoffs.
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN – MEET SHREYAS IYER, THE FIRST CAPTAIN IN HISTORY TO TAKE 3 DIFFERENT TEAMS TO PLAYOFFS. pic.twitter.com/NJKlgCP3F4
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 18, 2025
Iyer was additionally happy that his facet displayed the precise mindset after being put underneath the pump by aggressive Rajasthan Royals top-order batters because the guests survived the carnage. Punjab Kings posted 219 for 5 however that difficult complete regarded underneath risk when Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi rattled up 76 runs in simply 4.5 overs for RR.
Harpreet Brar offered the breakthrough by eradicating each the openers to open up the chance for Punjab Kings.
“The fellows had been in excessive spirits. We confirmed the mindset that we needed to win no matter the scenario,” Iyer stated after the match.
“The physique language tends to drop when opposition performs nicely. Brar is constant within the nets. Right this moment he stepped in and delivered. His mindset has been large all through. Completely sensible strategy and perspective,” gushed Iyer.
The Punjab skipper revealed that he has suffered a “finger damage” however doesn’t know the extent.
“Do not know what has occurred. Yesterday whereas follow, I received hit. Should test,” he stated.
Dwelling facet skipper Sanju Samson rued that they may not keep it up the momentum from the powerplay.
“It was gettable with the sort of the wicket and outfield. With our batting line-up and power-hitters, we thought it was chaseable. We simply need to get the job achieved and end off the innings,” he stated.
“We’ve skilled guys, we try our greatest however issues will not be falling our manner. We won’t strive a lot. First precedence is to win the sport. Attempt just a few choices holding subsequent 12 months in thoughts.” Punjab Kings pacer Marco Jansen, who performed a hand in his staff’s win with some good present on the again finish, stated they simply stayed within the recreation someway, ready for the breakthrough.
“The ball was simply flying in every single place. For us it was about staying within the recreation. Speak was about two or three or 4 good overs. Would deliver their run fee down. We did that fairly nicely and completed it off on the again finish,” he stated.
With PTI Inputs
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