"Tough pill to swallow": Shreyas Iyer reacts after PBKS lose to MI
Dharamsala, May 15
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer described his side's six-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians as a "tough pill to swallow," but lauded the opposition batters for their match-winning efforts in a high-scoring IPL 2026 clash at the HPCA Stadium on Thursday night.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Iyer acknowledged the quality of batting from MI's Tilak Varma, praising his ability to rotate strike and play according to the field.
"(On the loss tonight) Well, absolutely a tough pill to swallow, but I don't want to pinpoint any situation over here because it was a great game of cricket. Well-fought game. He (Tilak) played amazingly, he was selecting his shots pretty well, and he manoeuvred the field nicely, so credit to him," Iyer said.
The PBKS captain also highlighted the impact of Azmatullah Omarzai, noting how the all-rounder shifted momentum in PBKS' favour during the death overs and helped the team reach a strong total.
"Certainly, at a point, we were looking at around 170 to 180, and from there on, he simply changed the momentum towards us. Getting those scoops of sixes, and from 16th or 17th over, from there on, we gained the momentum and getting to 200 was a commendable performance for him," he added.
Despite the six-wicket defeat, Iyer remained optimistic about PBKS' chances in the remaining fixtures, expressing confidence ahead of their next challenge against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
"Definitely excited for the next opportunity. It's an afternoon game, and we've got to win two out of two. It's going to be an exciting two games. Can't wait to play them," he said.
Mumbai Indians defeated Punjab Kings by six wickets in a high-scoring IPL 2026 match at Dharamsala, chasing down 201 with one ball to spare. Tilak Varma starred with a brilliant 75 off 33 balls, while Will Jacks provided late fireworks to guide MI home after early contributions from Ryan Rickelton and Sherfane Rutherford.
Earlier, PBKS posted 200/8 after a strong start led by Prabhsimran Singh's 57 and useful lower-order runs, including a quick cameo from Azmatullah Omarzai. However, regular wickets in the middle overs, especially Shardul Thakur's four-wicket haul, stalled their momentum, leaving MI with a gettable target which they successfully chased.
— ANI
Reader Comments
That Azmatullah Omarzai innings was pure 🔥! Came in at 150/6 and took them to 200. I had almost given up after Prabhsimran's wicket. Shame the bowlers couldn't defend it. But honestly, Tilak Varma played a blinder - the boy is special for India's future.
"Tough pill to swallow" is an understatement. PBKS had the game in control after Azmat's hitting but then the bowling just fell apart. 75 off 33 by Tilak? That's brute! I think Punjab needs to work on their death bowling. Also, why did they bowl Arshdeep only 3 overs? 🤔
It was an absolute run-fest! I feel for Shreyas because he's been leading this young side really well. But 200 in Dharamsala is never safe on that ground. They should have aimed for 210+ after that start. Still, all credit to MI - Tilak and Will Jacks finished it off brilliantly.
As a neutral, this was the best game of the season so far! 🙌 Both teams gave it everything. Shreyas is right about Omarzai - the guy changed the momentum completely. But MI's chase was clinical. The way Tilak is batting, he might be the next big thing for India in T20s.
Shreyas is right to be positive. Two wins from two is tough but not impossible with this batting lineup. That said, bowling needs massive improvement - Chahar gave 50 in 4
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