Punjab Kings’ Captain Marvel: Shreyas Iyer’s 97 and sensible management steal the present vs Gujarat Titans | Cricket Information – The Occasions of India

NEW DELHI: Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy stint with Punjab Kings started within the good vogue, as he led his workforce to an exhilarating 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans of their IPL 2025 conflict on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. His commanding unbeaten 97 with the bat and astute management helped Punjab Kings safe a high-scoring win in a nail-biting contest.
Stepping onto the sector in Punjab Kings’ pink for the primary time, Iyer exuded confidence on the toss, admitting he would have chosen to discipline as effectively. Regardless of shedding the toss, he made his mark with the bat, guiding Punjab to a formidable whole of 243/5.

Although 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 major focus was on serving to Punjab Kings, a workforce nonetheless chasing their maiden IPL title because the match’s inception in 2008.

On the finish of the nineteenth over, Iyer was on 97*, with Shashank Singh on the different finish on 22 off 10 balls. Prioritising the workforce’s success over private milestones, Iyer approached Shashank earlier than the ultimate 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 brief, ending at 232/5 regardless of spectacular contributions from Sai Sudharsan (74), Shubman Gill (33), and Jos Buttler (54). Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 46 offered late hope, however the goal proved too steep.

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

“Getting 97 not out within the first match and that too within the opening sport of the season for us is the icing on the cake. I received a 4 the primary ball I confronted and it received me going. That flick six off Rabada as effectively. 44 runs he scored off 16-17 off balls was fairly essential for the workforce. We set a benchmark that we needed to go for it. With the dew coming it issues might change and fortunately he carried out. He’s a humorous character. He has received traits in him the place he is available in with the proper perspective. Saved his calm and composure,” Iyer stated.

“Arshdeep performed an vital position in that. He got here in and stated the ball is definitely reversing a bit so the Saliva on the ball helps the bowlers. He received Sai and it helped us. Earlier than the season began we left no stone unturned. Everybody chipped in with what we are able to execute on the sector and it wasn’t simply me speaking. We glance to hold ahead the momentum into the opposite video games as effectively,” he stated.
Punjab Kings will subsequent face Lucknow Tremendous Giants on April 1 on the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.