Shreyas Iyer's Stellar Performance Leads Punjab Kings to IPL Final

Punjab Kings Triumph Over Mumbai Indians

Ahmedabad, June 2: James Hope, the bowling coach for Punjab Kings, commended captain Shreyas Iyer for his composed approach during the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians. Iyer's remarkable unbeaten 87 runs off 41 balls was described as a "classy knock," propelling PBKS to their first IPL final in 11 years.

In the match held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Punjab Kings successfully chased down a target of 204 runs, defeating the five-time champions MI by five wickets with one over remaining. After opting to bowl first, Iyer's team managed to restrict MI to 203/6.

"We aimed to bat second, knowing the pitch favored high scores. We had strategies in place for the impact player if we batted first, but our focus was on stacking our batting and maintaining our bowling strength," Hopes explained.

He noted Iyer's performance, highlighting how the captain transitioned from 24 runs off 20 balls to a powerful finish, showcasing his ability to change gears during crucial moments.

Hope also praised Iyer's leadership, noting his ability to maintain a calm atmosphere in the dressing room, especially after the team's previous loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“Shreyas is an exceptional captain and player. After the loss in Chandigarh, it’s important not to dwell on the reasons behind it. Sometimes, things just happen,” Hopes remarked.

He further acknowledged the contributions from the batting lineup, particularly Josh Inglis (38 off 21) and Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29), and commended the team's strategy against MI's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

"Wadhera played excellently, and Inglis's aggressive approach against Bumrah was impressive. If someone had told us we would score 40 runs off Bumrah while chasing 200, we would have gladly accepted that," Hopes added.

During the post-match presentation, Iyer shared his mindset for high-stakes games, expressing his enjoyment for such moments. "I thrive on big occasions. I remind myself and my teammates that staying calm leads to better outcomes. I focused on my breathing rather than getting anxious," he stated.

Looking ahead, Punjab Kings will face RCB in the final, and Iyer expressed confidence in his team's readiness. "I want to savor this moment and celebrate with my team for reaching the final. However, I believe the job is only half done, so I will stay focused and prepare for the next challenge," he concluded.