Following a history-making victory against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Sunday, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have secured a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final. With the main event set for Tuesday, captain Shreyas Iyer addressed the media, looking back at the team's experience and their future plans.
Reflecting back on PBKS's campaign, Iyer pointed out the secret of their success after an 11-year wait to be in the final. "I believe the job of a captain is to get the best out of your players performance-wise. Once we went into this tournament, we got momentum from the very beginning, and each individual kept contributing," he stated.
Praising the young talent in the squad, he added, “We have a lot of youngsters who have been dictating terms right from ball one, and they have done so consistently throughout the season. That’s why we’ve made it to the final.”
Despite early setbacks in the recent clash, Iyer played a pivotal captain’s innings—an unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls—that helped seal the victory.
Discussing how he plans when playing in an innings, he said, "I prefer to play the situation and not get ahead of the game. When chasing, I gauge the run rate needed, wicket conditions, and bowlers to come. From there, I plan my strategy and ensure I get the game all the way. These plans have to be clear and executed in the day."
Surprisingly, while the team was rejoicing, Iyer too kept his calm and stoic demeanor.
"While I was feeling like my work was half done, the match wasn't over. We had another final the next day. So, I had in mind that the job was halfway through and recovery was to be done," he clarified.
The 30-year-old also looked back on lessons from their defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1, insisting that adaptability is more important than adhering to a set plan.
"The situation can shift at any moment, and we need to play accordingly. It's not that we are going to change from one rigid plan to another. There are players who have gained experience, and there are youngsters who are fearless in approach. They know how to adjust. We can't bank on a linear plan," Iyer explained.
Conclusion, he vowed his adamant determination to take the title. "On the ground, everything is about competition, not convenience. When you go out, it's a war—you fight to emerge victorious. I will do whatever it takes to ensure my team gets to hoist the trophy."
Punjab Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final at Narendra Modi International Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
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