Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has credited his team’s young Indian core for playing a fearless brand of cricket that has taken the franchise to the IPL 2025 final.
As PBKS prepare to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the much-anticipated clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Iyer reflected on the consistent performances of uncapped players like Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, and Shashank Singh.
PBKS lost to RCB in Qualifier 1 but bounced back with a clinical win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, earning another chance at their first-ever IPL title. While Iyer leads the batting charts with 603 runs in 16 matches, he made it clear that the team’s success has been a collective effort.
“A captain’s role is to bring the best out of the players in the team. When we started, we began with two victories. So, we have got a lot of youngsters. We saw their fearless nature. Right from ball one, they have been dictating terms. And it’s been an ongoing process. For all these reasons, our season has been consistent. I am very excited, I am brimming with positivity.”
Iyer also praised head coach Ricky Ponting for his steady influence and egalitarian approach in the dressing room.
“Ricky Ponting is an amazing coach who manages the players precisely. One thing that stands out with him is that he treats every player equally. That’s a real big boost to every individual, whether he is a junior or senior most. I have never seen his emotions going up and down regardless of the result. That’s the sign of a great coach. And the assertive thoughts that he provides with his speeches before and after the game — that gives us immense boost. After the game, we are always excited to listen to him and it’s simply phenomenal to work with him.”
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Despite producing one of the tournament’s best knocks in the must-win game against MI, Iyer kept his celebrations muted. The PBKS skipper later revealed he was already thinking ahead to the final.
“I thought the job was half-done. There is another match. That was my mindset. I thought we have to come back. I was already thinking about recovery and preparation for the final.”
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He also opened up about a standout shot in that innings, a brilliant flick off a yorker that came purely from instinct and rhythm.
“That shot comes when you are in rhythm. You can’t practise those shots. When you are in flow, it comes. He bowls yorkers very well. My bat came down on time and I was able to use the pace of the ball.”
With Punjab’s young guns firing and Iyer leading calmly from the front, the franchise will hope their fearless formula delivers them a historic maiden IPL trophy.
