IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer credits PBKS playoff qualification to collective team effort and 'care for each other'

IANS May 19, 2025 506 views

Shreyas Iyer has led Punjab Kings to a remarkable playoff qualification after an 11-year wait. His leadership emphasized the importance of team unity and collective effort throughout the tournament. The team's victory against Rajasthan Royals highlighted their resilience and determination. Iyer's achievement of captaining three different teams to playoffs marks a significant milestone in his IPL career.

"Guys, we all know how difficult it is not to get an opportunity" - Shreyas Iyer
IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer credits PBKS playoff qualification to collective team effort and 'care for each other'
New Delhi, May 19: Following a demanding victory against Rajasthan Royals last night, skipper Shreyas Iyer took a moment in the dressing room to acknowledge the collective effort and unwavering team spirit.

Key Points

1

Iyer becomes first captain to qualify three teams for playoffs

2

PBKS breaks 11-year playoff drought

3

Nehal Wadhera's 70 crucial in victory

4

Team spirit key to success

On Sunday, Iyer became the first player in the tournament's 18-year history to captain three different teams to playoffs qualification after having done the same at Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders before ending the Punjab franchise's 11-year drought from the playoffs.

Lauding the players for standing together in all circumstances and helping even when they didn't get an opportunity, Iyer said, "Guys, we all know how difficult it is not to get an opportunity. And we clearly mentioned at the start how tough it was going to be out there with the heat. The guys who sat outside and didn't get to play still went out and helped everyone. This shows their hunger for the team. Ricky mentioned caring, and today I saw that caring for each and every one."

Nehal Wadhera's 70 coupled with Harpreet Brar's 3-22 helped Punjab Kings to edge out Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2025 clash at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday. With Gujarat Titans getting the job done against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, PBKS, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and GT also secured instant qualification.

Iyer also extended his best wishes to everyone as the team qualified for the playoffs after 11 years and said, "Congratulations, and a special mention to each and every individual sitting here. I appreciate your efforts. Please ensure that we carry forward the same momentum and intensity into the future games as well."

Punjab Kings will next face off against Delhi Capitals on May 24 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a turnaround for PBKS under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy! 👏 After 11 long years, finally seeing them in playoffs feels amazing. The team spirit he's built reminds me of Dhoni's CSK - where everyone contributes whether playing or not. Hope they go all the way this time!
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Priya M.
As a diehard PBKS fan since 2008, this moment is so emotional! 😭 Iyer's leadership has been the X-factor we were missing all these years. That dressing room speech shows why players perform for him - he acknowledges everyone's contribution, not just the stars. #SherSquad
A
Arjun S.
While I'm happy for PBKS, let's not forget they got lucky with GT beating DC. The real test will be against Delhi in playoffs - their bowling still looks shaky. Iyer's captaincy record in knockouts isn't great either (remember KKR's exit last year?). Hope they prove me wrong!
S
Sneha R.
Nehal Wadhera and Harpreet Brar - two uncapped players becoming match winners! This is why IPL is special 💗 Shows talent exists beyond big cities if given opportunities. Hope BCCI selectors are watching - these boys deserve India A call-ups at least.
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Vikram J.
Shreyas making history by taking 3 teams to playoffs! But can we talk about how PBKS management finally got it right? No more constant chopping-changing, stuck with core players despite early losses. Lesson for other teams - patience pays in T20 cricket too.

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IPL 2025 Shreyas Iyer Punjab Kings Cricket Playoffs Team Spirit