Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer expressed gratitude towards head coach Ricky Ponting for giving him the space and trust to lead the side with freedom, following their dominant seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians. This win confirmed Punjab’s place in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 and marked their return to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Having joined PBKS after captaining Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win the previous season, Shreyas Iyer made a swift impact with the team. He noted how his strong bond with Ponting helped create an environment where he could make decisions freely and confidently. Shreyas Iyer emphasised that this supportive atmosphere was a key reason behind the team’s success, pointing out that every player had stepped up at critical moments throughout the tournament. He credited the management and support staff for building a positive and committed team culture.
The skipper highlighted the standout performances of Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis during the match. Priyansh Arya’s fearless knock of 62 from 35 balls and Josh Inglis’s explosive 73 from 42 deliveries showcased the depth and preparation of the squad. Shreyas Iyer remarked on the confidence of young players like Priyansh Arya and shared how Josh Inglis, despite being shuffled around the batting order, had made a significant impact thanks to his ability to handle the new ball and his aggressive style.
On the other side, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya admitted that his team had fallen short with the bat, suggesting they were at least 20 runs below a competitive total. He acknowledged the high standards expected at MI, a franchise with five titles, and saw the loss as a timely reminder to refocus before the playoffs.
Hardik Pandya also pointed to lapses in their bowling, saying that they missed their marks at crucial moments, which Punjab’s batters exploited. Despite the setback, he remained optimistic and urged the team to take the loss as a lesson and move forward with renewed energy into the knockout stages.
In a match that underlined Punjab Kings’ resurgence and highlighted Mumbai’s vulnerability under pressure, the stage is now set for a fierce contest in the playoffs.
