Punjab Kings (PBKS) opened their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign with an 11-run win over Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday (March 25).

After the game, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer spoke in support of the reversal of the saliva ban, revealing how it has played a crucial role in assisting bowlers.

During the post-match presentation, Iyer revealed left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh generated reverse swing due to the use of saliva on the ball, which proved to be a game-changer in the second innings.

“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 (Sai Kishore), and it helped us,” Iyer said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The saliva ban was initially imposed by the ICC in 2020 due to COVID-19 and was made permanent in 2022. However, the BCCI decided to lift the ban in IPL ahead of 2025 season after holding a meeting with 10 captains. Iyer’s comments suggest that the change is already having an impact in the league.

Shreyas Iyer also reflected on his stunning knock of 97* in 42 balls, which earned him the Player of the Match award.

“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 off the first ball I faced, and it got me going. That flick six off Rabada as well. I felt really good out there,” Iyer said.

He was effusive in praise of Shashank Singh, who played a blistering knock of 44 runs in just 16 balls to propel PBKS past the 240-run mark.

“Shashank’s 44 off 16-17 balls was pretty crucial for the team. We set a benchmark that we had to go for it. With the dew coming in, 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. He kept his calm and composure,” Iyer stated.

Coming to the match, PBKS racked up a mammoth 243/5 on the board. Apart from Shreyas and Shashank, Priyansh Arya chipped in with a handy 47 off 23 balls.

In reply, GT put up a strong fight but were restricted to 232/5 in 20 overs. The Titans got off to a flying start, with captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan stitching together a rapid 61-run stand in just under six overs. However, their momentum took a hit when Gill got dismissed. From there on, the hosts failed to recover despite some fight back from Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford.