Priyansh Arya took the CSK bowling attack to the cleaners en route to his maiden IPL ton.
Arya slammed 103 off 42 balls with seven boundaries and nine sixes, propelling PBKS to a mammoth 219/6 in 20 overs, which proved to be a little too much for CSK, who were restricted to 201/5 during the chase.
"Absolutely. This is going to be the template, irrespective of the ground. We have variety in the batting line-up. Great hitters, great timers, scintillating to watch Priyansh bat from the outside.
"When I had a chat with him in the last game, he was a bit timid in his decision-making against Jofra (Archer). Tonight, he was backing his instincts," Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
"It was free-flowing and that is the mindset I want in everyone. Today, he kept on going, he was fearless and it was basically one of the top knocks I have seen in the IPL so far."
Yuzvendra Chahal bowled just one over conceding nine runs and Iyer said it was a tactical move to hold back the seasoned leg-spinner.
"That was a tactical call, because (Shivam) Dube had already played a few deliveries, and also Conway. With Yuzi coming in, we know how destructive he (Dube) can be. But Yuzi is a smart bowler. My instincts felt that pacers bowling slower balls into the wicket (would work), and we basically wanted pace against Dube. We delayed a bit but eventually, it worked out."
It was Punjab’s third victory in four matches this season, but the skipper feels they are yet to play their best game.
“We were talking right now, we haven't played our best game yet, the nerves are still there, once they get fearless on the field, we need to go back and do group catching sessions, but we won the game and we need to focus on the positives,” Iyer remarked.
Punjab Kings will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday (April 12).
(With PTI Inputs)