In a pre-season podcast that has recently gone viral, Punjab Kings’ Shashank Singh confidently declared, *”What top-4? We will finish in the top-two.”* He even agreed to be trolled if his prediction didn’t come true. But as fate would have it, Punjab Kings didn’t just finish in the top two—they topped the league stage, defying all expectations.
Their journey, however, wasn’t without drama. A stutter in Qualifier 1 threatened to derail their fairytale campaign. But when the moment of truth arrived in Qualifier 2, skipper Shreyas Iyer stood tall like the Rock of Gibraltar, orchestrating a record chase against the mighty Mumbai Indians. Destiny had a name, and on Sunday night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the IPL found its newest hero.
The Knock That Defined a Season
Shreyas’ unbeaten 87 off 41 balls might just be the innings of IPL 2025—unless someone produces something even more absurd in the final on June 3. But eclipsing this masterclass will take something extraordinary.
Few batters have the composure to accelerate at the exact moment required in a high-pressure chase of 204. Eight sixes in an innings isn’t unprecedented, but smashing them in a virtual semifinal takes next-level nerve. Shreyas walked in at 55/2, took his time to settle, then unleashed carnage, guiding PBKS to a five-wicket win with ice-cool precision.
The Art of Controlled Aggression
“He is a sensational captain and a sensational player,” declared PBKS bowling coach James Hopes after the win. What made Shreyas’ knock special was his timing. At one stage, he was 19 off 15 with 95 needed off 48 balls. Then, he flicked a switch.
- Three consecutive sixes off Reece Topley (square leg, long-on, long-off).
- Four more sixes in the final over to seal the deal.
- 23 needed off 12? He finished it in one over.
“He just flicked the switch as he’s done a couple of times in this tournament. It was a very classy knock,” Hopes noted. “He’s calm, doesn’t get flustered, and knows his match-ups. He’s prepared to take risks when needed.”
Masterclass in Handling Pressure
Shreyas didn’t just rely on power-hitting. His handling of yorkers was sublime—opening the bat face to guide them for boundaries. His mental fortitude was Zen-like—unshaken by the pressure of the chase, the steep target, or the enormity of the occasion.
“I love big occasions. I always say—the bigger the moment, the calmer you must be. Today, I focused on my breathing rather than the noise,” Shreyas revealed post-match.
This victory wasn’t just about one knock. It was about leadership, self-belief, and a team transformed.
The Making of a Champion Captain
1. The Bold Gamble: Leaving KKR for PBKS
After leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024, Shreyas made a shocking move. He reportedly declined KKR’s retention offer (INR 25 crore), calling it “unacceptable.” Punjab Kings acquired him for INR 26.75 crore—not out of greed, but as a statement of self-worth.
2. Sacrificing Personal Milestones for the Team
- Gave up his preferred No. 3 spot for Josh Inglis, prioritizing team balance.
- Remained unbeaten on 97 against Gujarat Titans, refusing to chase a century when the match was already won.
- Galvanized an inexperienced squad, including five uncapped players in the Qualifier 2 XI.
3. Defending the Un-defendable
In a league game against KKR, PBKS defended 111—a seemingly impossible task. Shreyas’ calm leadership and tactical acumen turned the game on its head.
“I just let them be. I love the fearless nature we bring. Even without experience, they have bravery—and that’s what wins big games,” Shreyas said.
The Road to the Final: A Story of Redemption
Punjab Kings hadn’t reached an IPL final in 11 years. Under Shreyas, they’ve broken the jinx.
Key Factors Behind Their Success
✅ Fearless Batting (PBKS have the highest run-rate in death overs).
✅ Unconventional Bowling Choices (Using part-timers in crunch moments).
✅ Shreyas’ Captaincy (Man-management, tactical flexibility, leading by example).
The Big Question: Should Shreyas Be in India’s Test Squad?
Despite his white-ball dominance, Shreyas was left out of India’s Test squad for England.
“He’s played well for 12 months. I’m sure his name was discussed heavily. He’ll find his way back,” said Hopes.
Final Verdict: Can PBKS Win the Title?
Shreyas Iyer has already silenced doubters, defied odds, and rewritten Punjab Kings’ legacy. Now, one final hurdle remains.
If he brings the same calm aggression to the final, the trophy is theirs.
Prediction for the Final (June 3, 2025)
🔥 PBKS vs (Opponent) – A Shreyas Iyer masterclass could seal the deal.
🏆 Verdict: Punjab Kings, IPL 2025 Champions.
