Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings (PBKS) ended their long-running drought of not reaching Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs. With a win against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur and Delhi Capitals (DC) losing to Gujarat Titans (GT), PBKS cemented their spot in the playoffs. With two games to go in the league stage, PBKS have a lot to fight for. They will aim for a top two spot to make it to Qualifier 1. In the match against RR, Iyer was not on the field due to finger injury. Days ahead of their clash against DC, Sports Tak has got a major update on Iyer.
"Shreyas Iyer is recovering well and will be available for next game against Delhi Capitals," a source told Sports Tak.
Overseas boost for PBKS
Meanwhile, PBKS have got an overseas boost as well. In the game against RR, young Australian batter Mitchell Owen made his IPL debut. Ahead of the DC game, Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis are set to arrive on May 20. Injured Lockie Ferguson's replacement, Kyle Jamieson has arrived in India whereas Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie will join the team before the match as well.
Shashank captained in Iyer's absence
Iyer contributed with a 25-ball 30 in the previous game. He subbed himself off for impact player Harpreet Brar who claimed three crucial wickets and conceded 22 runs from his quota of four overs. Iyer was seen standing on the boundary giving instructions, controlling the play from outside as RR dominated in the powerplay and had a good chance of pulling off the run chase. But Brar's strikes prevented RR from chasing the big score down. and succumb to their 10th defeat on the season.
PBKS are currently placed third on the points table with 17 points from 12 games. They have won eight games.
What happened in PBKS vs DC abandoned game
Hosts PBKS were dominating the proceedings in Dharamsala before the game was cancelled due to Pakistan's attempts to attack the Pathankot air base on May 8. PBKS openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh had shared a 122-run opening partnership. Arya scored 70 runs from 34 balls, including five fours and six sixes. Prabhsimran was batting on 50 off 28 balls whereas Iyer was yet to face a delivery. This time, DC will not have the services of their star overseas pacer Mitchell Starc who has decided not to return for remainder of the IPL 2025.