Shreyas Iyer Stands Tall As Punjab Get Off To A Rollicking Start In IPL 2025

Shreyas Iyer's perfect start

A good beginning is half the work done, they say. If this saying is anything to go by, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Shreyas Iyer would be beaming with joy after a resounding win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. Shreyas Iyer was adamant he would bat at three in the tournament, and he could not have asked for a better start as he smashed his highest IPL score of 97* off 42 deliveries. He was at his best in the second innings as well marshalling his troops despite plenty of dew for the bowlers. 

Priyansh Arya rises to the occasion

Bought for INR 3.8 crore, Priyansh Arya showed why PBKS were happy to splash so much on an uncapped player with not much experience. Yes, he did take the Delhi Premier League (DPL) by storm with his insane strokeplay, but the IPL is a level higher. Arya broke no sweat as he smashed a boundary off the second ball he faced. He was given a chance early on, but he cashed in on it and went on to score 47 off just 23 deliveries, showing a bright future.

GT lose the plot at the death

At 156/4, it looked as though GT would be able to restrict PBKS to 200-210. However, things got out of hand quickly for them when Shashank Singh joined hands with Shreyas Iyer. The duo added 81 off just 28 deliveries, and GT conceded 87 off the last 30 deliveries to lose grip of the game. 

Vyshak Vijaykumar delivers on time

Vyshak Vijaykumar was brought in as an impact player in the 15th over of the chase, with GT needing 74 from the final six. He bowled an interesting spell, that was littered with plenty of deliveries wide outside off, making it tough for the batters to connect. He was especially brutal against Sherfane Rutherford, who barely connected any of his deliveries, and when he did, it was too little too late.