Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer lavished praise on teammates after registering a dominating seven wicket win against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Iyer also said that team's birilliant performance in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is helping him to gain trust of every player.
Punjab Kings, who have made the playoffs for the first time since 2014, now travel back to their home ground in Mullanpur for the Qualifier 1 scheduled on May 29.
The Eliminator will be played at the same venue on May 30. The complete playoffs line-up will be decided after the contest between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the already eliminated Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday.
"I personally feel everyone stepped up at the right time. We have been in that mindset that we have to win no matter what situation. Kudos to everyone and the management. Ricky has been fantastic, and for me it was about gaining the trust of every individual. And that happened by winning matches, and I personally feel we need to maintain that relationship throughout. When you are down in the dumps, it is easy to backstab each other" said Iyer in post match presentation.
Iyer also lauded Priyansh Arya (62 off 35 balls) and Josh Inglis (73 off 42) for their brilliant knocks.
"The way Priyansh started was fabulous, young players are fearless. They tick the boxes in the nets, the effects of the prep is now showing on the field.
"Inglis is the only player whose position has been chopping and changing. Since he loves playing the new ball, I wanted him to play more deliveries. It worked wonders. We know he's destructive and a big-match player with great attitude," he said.
PBKS vs MI match report
Priyansh Arya showed incredible composure well beyond his years, while Josh Inglis played a game-changing innings as Punjab Kings comfortably defeated Mumbai Indians by seven wickets on Monday, securing their place in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League.
Chasing a target of 185, Punjab had a slow start during the powerplay, but Inglis turned the tide with a brilliant 73 off just 42 balls. He found a perfect partner in the young Arya, who dazzled with a fluent 62 off 35 deliveries. Together, they stitched a crucial 109-run stand off just 59 balls, shifting the momentum firmly in Punjab’s favor.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer finished things off in style, sealing the win with a six off Trent Boult, as Punjab crossed the finish line in 18.3 overs—a statement victory heading into the playoffs.