Shreyas Iyer has scores of 97* and 52* for PBKS in their two wins in IPL 2025.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have stared well in the IPL 2025 as they registered their second consecutive win the tournament. PBKS defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 1 in Lucknow by 8 wickets in a dominating performance.
Tasked to chase 171 runs, Prabhsimran Singh deflated LSG's efforts with an explosive 69 in 34 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes, and captain Shreyas Iyer made 52* in 30 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes as PBKS achieved the target in 16.2 overs.
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer has been in terrific form as he had scored 97* in their first win over GT. The INR 26.75 crore PBKS spent on the batter could be well worth it. However, there is still a long way to go, but the team's new coach, Ricky Ponting, has complete faith in Shreyas, whom the Australian refers to as 'Rolls Royce'.
After the win on Monday, Ponting praised Shreyas for his consistency, comparing his control and finesse on the crease to the luxury car 'Rolls Royce'.
"Skipper (Iyer) did it easy again. Rolls-Royce just stayed in third gear for most of the day. Didn't have to go any harder than that. Just steers the ship home. You haven't got an average yet," Ponting said in a video shared by Punjab Kings.
The Australian veteran underlined the importance of his team players' consistent effort throughout the tough two-month-long season. The final is planned for May 25.
"Let's not take anything for granted with anything we're doing. Our attitudes have been spot on. We're just starting to scratch the surface. So, let's keep working hard together as a family, as one. And we're going to get better every day," he added.
The Punjab Kings bowlers exhibited outstanding control from the start, which was crucial in limiting the hosts. Ponting stated that this focused bowling strategy was critical in determining the match's outcome.
"Bowling first today, Arshdeep's (Singh) first over goes for three, Lockie (Ferguson) backs it up with an over, goes for four (runs). Two overs in the powerplay 1 for 7. We get through the powerplay, 3 for 35. Four of the overs in power play only went for 13 runs. So in the fifth over, Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) comes on, and then on the back of that, Marco (Jansen). So, Marco bowls the sixth over. He absolutely means it. He ended up with the big wicket of David Miller," Ponting said.
"The pleasing thing for me about a lot of the things that are happening around the group, it's when guys are coming in and playing their first game or getting their first opportunity; Lockie was the same today," Ponting analyzed.
Punjab's chase was spearheaded by opener Prabhsimran Singh, who deflated the LSG bowlers with a flurry of boundaries. This helped Iyer and Nehal Wadhera to (43 not out off 25 balls) to play their natural game to close the match in PBKS favor.
"Prabhsimran, I think you have learned a lot about yourself this week as well. I think you've proven to everyone just what a class act you are. We talk about players making an impact, right? You get an opportunity in a T20 game, and it's all about making an impact on the game and the contest when you can.
He (Wadhera) only packed one shirt in his bag because he didn't think he was going to be taking much part in the game. He fields the last four overs, and then I tap him on the shoulder. When I saw that they'd (LSG) made their impact sub as a left-arm off spinner, I said, 'mate, you're going in,” Ponting added.
(PTI inputs)