The opening match of IPL 2025 for Punjab Kings (PBKS)
witnessed a remarkable display of selflessness from their newly appointed
captain, Shreyas Iyer. While Iyer was on the verge of his maiden IPL century,
he prioritized his team's score over personal milestones, a gesture that did
not go unnoticed.
Shreyas Iyer's Unfulfilled Century Dream
In his first match as PBKS captain, Shreyas Iyer was in
sublime form against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. By
the end of the 17th over, he was batting on 90 off just 38 balls, seemingly
well on his way to achieving his first IPL century after playing 117 matches in
the tournament.
However, in the final three overs, Iyer faced only four
deliveries and remained unbeaten on 97. This was not due to any lack of intent
but rather a conscious decision to allow his teammate, Shashank Singh, to take
most of the strike. Shashank, who capitalized on the opportunity, scored an
explosive 44* off just 16 balls at an astonishing strike rate of 275.
A Captain’s Selfless Decision
Speaking at the innings break, Shashank Singh revealed that
Iyer had encouraged him to go all out instead of worrying about his captain’s
individual milestone.
“Let me be very honest, Shreyas from ball one told me,
‘Shashank, don’t think of my hundred. Just play your shots and finish it well’.
So, kudos to him, the way he spoke to me before the over,” said Shashank.
This decision proved invaluable as PBKS posted a mammoth
total of 243/5, which eventually helped them secure an 11-run victory over
Gujarat Titans.
Ravi Shastri's Subtle Dig at Kohli
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was part of the
broadcast panel, praised Iyer’s attitude, subtly hinting at other cricketers
who prioritize personal records over the team’s success.
“That’s the right thing to say in a team game,”
remarked Shastri, implying that individual milestones should never take
precedence over the team’s interests.
While Shastri did not take any names, many interpreted his
comment as a veiled reference to Virat Kohli. Soon after the match, social
media was flooded with clips of Kohli from an IPL 2019 game against KKR, where
he seemingly refused a second run to retain strike and complete his century.
A similar instance occurred during the 2023 ODI World Cup
match against Bangladesh, where Kohli was accused of slowing down the innings
to ensure he reached a century.
Shreyas Iyer’s Winning Mindset
Despite missing out on his century, Iyer expressed
satisfaction with his performance and the team’s win.
“Getting 97 not out in the season's opening game for us
is the icing on the cake. I got a four on the first ball I faced, and it got me
going. That flick six off Rabada as well. 44 runs he (Shashank) scored off
16-17 balls was pretty crucial for the team. We set a benchmark that we had to
go for it,” Iyer said.
Conclusion
While cricket is a sport of individual brilliance, it
remains a team game at its core. Shreyas Iyer's selfless approach and the
subsequent remarks from Ravi Shastri reignited the debate over individual
milestones versus team success. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, fans will be
keen to see if more players adopt Iyer’s mindset or if personal records
continue to be a priority for some.