Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS), underscored the significance of maintaining composure in intense situations, asserting that the pressure of big occasions can yield favorable outcomes. In the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday, Iyer focused on his breathing technique while meticulously leading his team to a five-wicket victory, successfully chasing down a target of 204 runs with an over to spare. His outstanding performance included a magnificent 87 runs off just 41 balls, which played a pivotal role in propelling PBKS to the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Iyer advocated for an assertive approach among team members, stating, “All players need to be assertive and show intent from ball one.” His emphasis on mental clarity and calmness was vital in the face of challenging situations. He also credited his teammates, noting how their striking abilities during the chase complemented his game.
Reflecting on a previous loss to RCB, Iyer’s attitude toward bouncing back was commendable, as he encouraged his team to focus on the positives instead of dwelling on past mistakes. “Just throw the imagination and also the hiccup in the bin and not think too much about where we went wrong because throughout the season we’ve been playing amazing,” he remarked.
Nehal Wadhera also made significant contributions to the innings, forming a crucial partnership with Iyer that yielded 84 runs for the fourth wicket. Meanwhile, MI set a competitive target with key contributions from Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, each scoring 44 runs.
Iyer’s stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match title, a recognition well-deserved for his impactful innings, which featured five fours and eight sixes.
As Punjab Kings gears up for the final against RCB, there is a palpable sense of excitement and hope that their determined mindset and Iyer’s leadership will guide them to victory.