Shreyas Iyer delivered a sensational performance in his IPL debut for Punjab Kings, smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls against Gujarat Titans on March 25. His explosive knock, featuring five boundaries and nine towering sixes, marked his highest score in IPL history.
“Getting 97 not out in the opening game of the season for us is the icing on the cake. I got a four on the first ball I faced, and it got me going. That flick six off Rabada as well,” Iyer reflected in the post-match presentation.
Punjab Kings accelerated towards the end of their innings, racking up 87 runs in the final five overs. Iyer, along with Shashank Singh, unleashed a relentless assault on the opposition. When asked if the aggressive approach was intentional, Iyer acknowledged the impact of dew on the game.
“44 runs he scored off 16-17 balls was pretty crucial for the team. We set a benchmark that we had to go for it. With the dew coming, things could change, and thankfully, he performed,” he added.
Vyshak Vijaykumar’s Game-Changing Spell
With Gujarat Titans needing 74 off the last six overs, Vyshak Vijaykumar stepped up, conceding just 28 runs in his three overs while others struggled.
“He is a funny character. He has traits where he comes in with the right attitude. He bowled the yorkers straightaway, keeping his calm and composure. Arshdeep played an important role in that (the wide yorker plan). He came in and said the ball is actually reversing a bit, so the saliva on the ball is helping the bowlers a bit, I guess,” Iyer noted.
The turning point came when Arshdeep Singh dismissed Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41), shifting momentum in Punjab’s favor. Iyer highlighted the team’s meticulous preparation leading into the season.
“He got Sai and that changed the momentum for us, and then he came in and said let’s start the wide yorkers earlier than trying it too late. Before the season started, we left no stone unturned. In our meetings, everyone chipped in with what we can execute on the field, and it wasn’t just me talking. We look to carry forward the momentum into the other games as well.”