'We weren't disciplined enough...': Agitated Shreyas Iyer openly blames bowlers for PBKS' six-wicket defeat against DC

Punjab Kings suffered a painful six-wicket defeat against Delhi Capitals in a high-scoring IPL 2025 clash which not only dented their confidence but also took a hit at their top two chances.

DC elected to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that saw PBKS set a challenging total of 206/8. Punjab rode on Shreyas Iyer's captain's knock of 53 runs off 34 balls, which included 5 fours and 2 sixes. Josh Inglis provided an explosive start with 32 off just 12 deliveries, while Prabhsimran Singh chipped in with a quickfire 28 from 18 balls. Towards the end, Marcus Stoinis unleashed a blistering cameo, smashing 44 runs off merely 16 balls, featuring 3 fours and 4 towering sixes, which propelled Punjab past the 200-run mark. For DC, Mustafizur Rahman was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs, ably supported by Vipraj Nigam and Kuldeep Yadav, who each picked up 2 wickets.

Chasing 207 for victory, DC rose to the occasion with a calculated yet aggressive batting display. KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis laid a solid foundation with their brisk starts, scoring 35 and 23 runs respectively. Karun Nair then played a crucial anchoring role, contributing 44 runs off 27 balls. However, the real impetus to the chase came from Sameer Rizvi, who unleashed a match-winning innings of 58 runs off just 25 balls, adorned with 3 fours and 5 sixes. His explosive hitting, combined with Tristan Stubbs' unbeaten 18, ensured Delhi successfully chased down the target, finishing on 208/4 in 19.3 overs. For Punjab Kings, Harpreet Brar was the most successful bowler, taking 2 wickets for 41 runs.

Shreyas Iyer slams PBKS bowlers after defeat against DC

Meanwhile, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer wasn't at all happy with his bowlers as he feels despite the competitive total the bowling wasn't disciplined enough.

"It was a fantastic score. There was some odd and variable bounce. It was above par. I think we weren't disciplined enough with our lengths. We went overboard with the bouncer. Couldn't hit the hard length. It is bigger than the Premier League. You got to stay positive and calm. You come in with fresh mindset on the next day. You have to stick to the present. We got to go back to the drawing board. We will look to come in with some strong plans. The finger (on injury concern) should be fine for the next game," Iyer said at the post-match presentation.

DC signed off the IPL 2025 season with a consolation with while PBKS are in a bid to secure the top two finish in order to make it to Qualifier 1 as they next face Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 26.