Punjab Kings’ Captain Marvel: Shreyas Iyer’s 97 and smart leadership steal the show vs Gujarat Titans | Cricket News

Shreyas Iyer (BCCI/IPL Photo)

NEW DELHI: Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy stint with Punjab Kings started in the excellent trend, as he led his workforce to an exciting 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans of their IPL 2025 conflict at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. His commanding unbeaten 97 with the bat and astute leadership helped Punjab Kings safe a high-scoring win in a nail-biting contest.
Stepping onto the subject in Punjab Kings’ purple for the first time, Iyer exuded confidence at the toss, admitting he would have chosen to subject as nicely. Despite shedding the toss, he made his mark with the bat, guiding Punjab to a formidable whole of 243/5.

Though he missed out on what would have been a well-deserved century, Iyer’s knock was extensively applauded. As he walked again unbeaten on 97, the smile on his face spoke volumes — his main focus was on serving to Punjab Kings, a workforce nonetheless chasing their maiden IPL title since the match’s inception in 2008.

At the finish of the nineteenth over, Iyer was on 97*, with Shashank Singh at the different finish on 22 off 10 balls. Prioritising the workforce’s success over private milestones, Iyer approached Shashank earlier than the last over and urged him to focus solely on maximising runs. Shashank delivered, smashing 5 boundaries off Mohammed Siraj’s over to push Punjab Kings to an enormous whole.
In response, Gujarat Titans fought valiantly however fell quick, ending at 232/5 regardless of spectacular contributions from Sai Sudharsan (74), Shubman Gill (33), and Jos Buttler (54). Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 46 supplied late hope, however the goal proved too steep.

For his selfless 97* and match-winning leadership, Iyer was named the Player of the Match, setting the tone for Punjab Kings’ marketing campaign in IPL 2025.

“Getting 97 not out in the first match and that too 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. 44 runs he scored off 16-17 off balls was pretty crucial for the team. We set a benchmark that we had to go for it. With the dew coming it things could change and thankfully he performed. He is a funny character. He has got traits in him where he comes in with the right attitude. Kept his calm and composure,” Iyer mentioned.

“Arshdeep played an important role in that. He came in and said the ball is actually reversing a bit so the Saliva on the ball is helping the bowlers. He got Sai and it helped us. Before the season started we left no stone unturned. 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,” he mentioned.
Punjab Kings will subsequent face Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.