Shreyas Iyer’s knock of 97* off just 42 balls in Punjab Kings’ season opener against Gujarat Titans wasn’t just about power-hitting—it was a statement of leadership and selflessness. While he missed out on what could have been his maiden IPL century, his decision to put the team first has won hearts all over the cricketing world.
As the final over of Punjab Kings' innings began, Iyer stood at 97, just three runs away from the elusive three-figure mark. But instead of playing it safe and farming the strike to reach his personal milestone, he chose to encourage his partner, Shashank Singh, to go all out. The young batter didn't disappoint, smashing 23 runs in the last over and helping PBKS post a mammoth 243/5.
A True Leader on the Field
Shashank Singh later revealed, "Shreyas told me, 'Shashank, don’t worry about my hundred, just keep hitting.'" This simple yet powerful statement showcased Iyer’s selfless mindset—he was more focused on the team’s total than personal glory. This attitude didn't go unnoticed. Cricket fans, fellow players, and even Punjab Kings' co-owner Preity Zinta were all praise for Iyer’s team-first mentality.
Taking to social media, Zinta lauded Iyer, tweeting, "Some 97s are better than a hundred. Take a bow @ShreyasIyer15 for showing class, leadership & aggression." She also highlighted the contributions of other PBKS players, including Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Priyansh Arya, who played crucial roles in securing the victory.
Player of the Match and Beyond
Despite missing out on a century, Iyer’s incredible innings earned him the Player of the Match award. More importantly, it won him the admiration of cricketing legends and fans alike. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining an explosive strike rate proves why he is one of the most dependable players in the IPL.
The win has set the perfect tone for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. If they continue this momentum, they could be serious contenders for the title this season. Fans are now eagerly awaiting their next match, hoping to see more fireworks from Iyer and the rest of the PBKS squad.
Preity Zinta’s Bollywood Comeback
Meanwhile, Preity Zinta, who has been a part of Punjab Kings’ journey since the inception of the IPL in 2008, is also making headlines for another reason. After a seven-year hiatus, she is set to return to the silver screen with Lahore 1947. This Bollywood comeback has fans excited, adding another layer of buzz around her.
IPL 2025: Where to Watch & Updates
Cricket fever is in full swing with IPL 2025. For those looking to catch live action, match schedules, team squads, and real-time scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR, stay tuned. Also, fans in Canada and the USA can find details on how to watch IPL 2025 matches live.
Shreyas Iyer’s selfless act in Punjab Kings’ opener is a reminder that cricket is much more than just personal records—it’s about teamwork, sportsmanship, and making every moment count for the team. If PBKS can continue playing with this mindset, this could be their most memorable season yet!
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