Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) not only thrashed Chennai Super Kings by four wickets on April 30 but also knocked them out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
After winning the toss and electing to field first, PBKS put in a strong bowling performance, restricting CSK to a total of 190 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The standout bowler for Punjab Kings was Yuzvendra Chahal, who delivered a sensational spell, including a remarkable hat-trick as part of his four-wicket haul. He received valuable support from Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, and Azmatullah Omarzai, all of whom contributed with wickets. When it was their turn to bat, Punjab Kings successfully chased down the target with two balls to spare, finishing at 19.4 overs. Their innings was anchored by impressive contributions from several batsmen, including captain Shreyas Iyer, who scored a brilliant 72, Prabhsimran Singh with a solid 54, Priyansh Arya who added 23, and Shashank Singh, also with 23 runs.
Shreyas Iyer reacts to PBKS' 4-wicket win over CSK
Following his match-winning performance, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, who was also named the Player of the Match, engaged in an extended post-match conversation with commentator Harsha Bhogle. During this interview, he discussed various aspects of the game. Reflecting on his own batting performance, Shreyas Iyer expressed his fondness for chasing challenging scores.
"Love chasing on any field and I feel I thrive when there is a big total on the board and you need to take the charge and build the momentum for the next batters. Try to play on my instincts and back myself," Shreyas said at the post-match presentation.
Shreyas Iyer also shared insights into his preparation and mindset. He revealed a specific focus in his recent net sessions, where he has dedicated considerable time to facing fast bowlers with the new ball. He also went on to say that attitude is something which he keeps high all the time when he enters the field.
"(on his away form) I don't want to curse it at the moment, I'm enjoying as much as possible, trying stay in the present and just reacting to the ball. Once I get to know if there is a big total, does not matter home or away, I keep the same approach, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I know if I stay out there, I can chase down any target. Lately I have been batting a lot in the nets and facing the quick bowlers with the new-ball, I know the ball will skid on and come at a great pace. It has given me immense confidence," he added.
"This is one part which I have really worked on. The attitude is something I keep high all the time whenever I enter the field. These four boxes I tick and you see the reflection on the field," he further stated.
Towards the end of his conversation, Shreyas disclosed the crucial message conveyed by their head coach, Ricky Ponting, during the tense run-chase. He also took the opportunity to commend the team's opening pair, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, for consistently providing them with excellent starts to their innings.
"We had a chat in between when Ricky came in and told we don't have to leave it till the last, we have to up the ante as they have a few amazing death bowlers in Pathirana, Khaleel and they have immense experience in their squad, the approach is to take on the bowlers and basically back ourselves.
"When I got in, I need to play a few balls and see how thew wicket is playing. I played 10 balls and decided it's time to take on the bowlers. Prabh and Priyansh the starts they are giving, they have been fabulous in their approach and it is not that they are slogging. They are playing amazing cricket and hopefully they continue with that same momentum. (on if he is looking at the points table or just letting it happen) Just letting it happen," the star batter concluded.
PBKS have rocketed to second in the points table after thrashing CSK with six wins in 10 matches. They will next face Lucknow Super Giants on May 4 in Mullanpur.