Shreyas Iyer, a name synonymous with class and consistency, kicked off IPL 2025 with a bang! In his debut as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain, Iyer delivered a breathtaking 97* off 42 balls against Gujarat Titans. Despite missing out on his maiden IPL century after 118 matches, his selfless approach helped PBKS post a colossal total of 243/5, securing an emphatic win. But what really stood out? His unyielding focus on the team’s success over personal milestones.
Shreyas Iyer’s IPL Journey: The Long Wait for a Century
Has Shreyas Iyer ever scored a century in IPL? Despite being one of the most dependable middle-order batsmen, Iyer has yet to notch up a three-figure score. His 97* against Gujarat Titans is now his highest IPL score, a reminder of his explosive yet team-first mentality.
In his 10th IPL season, after 117 matches without a century, the Punjab Kings captain came agonizingly close. With his side dominating, Iyer prioritized team goals over personal records—an attitude that earned widespread praise from fans and experts alike.
The Match Recap: Shreyas Iyer’s Commanding Innings
How did Shreyas Iyer perform in his first match as PBKS captain?
Shreyas Iyer’s debut for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 was nothing short of sensational. Here’s a breakdown of his innings:
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 97* (42 balls) |
| Strike Rate | 230 |
| Fours | 8 |
| Sixes | 6 |
| Overs Played | 17 to 20 |
After smashing three sixes in the 17th over, Iyer was poised to break his century drought. However, his willingness to let Shashank Singh take the strike proved crucial in PBKS reaching an imposing total.
Shreyas Iyer’s Selfless Decision: A True Team Player
Why did Shreyas Iyer not prioritize his century? Iyer’s selflessness became a talking point when he urged Shashank Singh to play his natural game instead of worrying about preserving his milestone.
“From ball one, Shreyas told me, ‘Shashank, don’t think about my hundred. Just play your shots and finish it well,'” Shashank revealed in a post-match interview with Ravi Shastri.
This decision paid off handsomely. Shashank blazed his way to an unbeaten 44 off just 16 balls, striking at a jaw-dropping rate of 275, including five boundaries in the final over.
Ravi Shastri’s Subtle Dig at Individual Milestones
Did Ravi Shastri take a swipe at other players focusing on personal records? During the innings break, former India coach Ravi Shastri lauded Iyer’s team-first approach, subtly highlighting the importance of prioritizing collective success over personal accolades.
“That’s the right thing to say in a team game,” Shastri remarked, perhaps alluding to past instances where players, including Virat Kohli, faced criticism for prioritizing individual milestones.
Comparison: Shreyas Iyer vs. Virat Kohli’s Milestone Focus
Interestingly, Iyer’s actions sparked comparisons to a 2019 incident where Kohli, on 96*, refused a second run to keep the strike and complete his century. This difference in approach only amplified the praise for Iyer’s unselfishness.
Shreyas Iyer’s Reaction: Satisfaction Over Personal Glory
How did Shreyas Iyer react to falling short of a century? Unsurprisingly, Iyer expressed no disappointment. Instead, he was thrilled to contribute significantly to the team’s victory in their season opener.
“Getting 97 not out in the season’s opening game is the icing on the cake,” Iyer said. “We set a benchmark that we had to go for it. Shashank’s 44 off 16 balls was pretty crucial for the team.”
Shreyas Iyer’s Captaincy Debut: A Masterclass in Leadership
How did Shreyas Iyer lead Punjab Kings to victory? As a new captain, Iyer showcased exceptional leadership by balancing aggression with tactical acumen. His ability to motivate teammates and prioritize the team’s goals reflects a captain ready to lead PBKS to greater heights.
Key Leadership Moments:
- Empowering Teammates: Encouraged Shashank to play freely, prioritizing team total over personal records.
- Strategic Decision-Making: Balanced the innings with calculated risks in the death overs.
- Setting the Tone: Delivered a captain’s knock that inspired confidence and set the tone for the season.
What Lies Ahead for Shreyas Iyer and Punjab Kings?
With such a commanding performance, the future looks promising for Shreyas Iyer and PBKS in IPL 2025. If Iyer continues to blend personal brilliance with team-focused leadership, a maiden IPL century might just be around the corner—and perhaps, even the IPL trophy.
Can Shreyas Iyer Break His Century Jinx This Season?
Given his current form and mindset, it seems inevitable that Shreyas Iyer will soon cross the elusive three-figure mark. More importantly, his leadership qualities could be the driving force that propels PBKS to their maiden IPL title.
Stay tuned as Shreyas Iyer and Punjab Kings continue their quest for IPL glory!
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s electrifying 97* in IPL 2025 not only showcased his batting prowess but also his selfless leadership. Despite missing out on a century, his ability to prioritize the team’s success over personal milestones earned him admiration from all corners. As the Punjab Kings’ new captain, Iyer has set the tone for an exciting season ahead. With his blend of aggression, strategy, and a team-first mentality, the cricketing world eagerly awaits whether he will break his century jinx and guide PBKS to their maiden IPL title. One thing is certain—Shreyas Iyer is a captain on a mission, and the best is yet to come.
Stay updated with all the insights.
Navigate news, 1 email day.
Subscribe to Qrius
