In a thrilling IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 clash, Punjab Kings pulled off a memorable five-wicket win over Mumbai Indians to book their spot in the final. Amidst the high drama, one moment that stood out was the fall of Rohit Sharma, which triggered a wave of momentum for Punjab Kings—cleverly capitalized on by their captain, Shreyas Iyer.
After Rohit was dismissed early for just 8 runs, the tide began to turn, and Shreyas Iyer’s calm and calculated leadership was immediately visible. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar was quick to highlight the young skipper’s tactical brilliance. According to Gavaskar, Iyer’s ability to read the game and adapt under pressure played a key role in Punjab’s path to victory.
Gavaskar praised Iyer not only for his batting heroics but for the way he marshaled his troops throughout the match. After Rohit’s early exit, Iyer made subtle field changes and rotated his bowlers with precision, ensuring Mumbai never quite settled despite a solid middle-order performance from Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. The pair added crucial runs, helping MI post a formidable 203/6, but Gavaskar noted how Punjab’s bowlers, under Iyer’s direction, managed to keep the scoring in check during key overs.
When Punjab Kings came out to chase, it was Iyer who once again stepped up with the bat. Coming in at a tense moment, he stabilized the innings and then launched a devastating counter-attack. His unbeaten 87 off 41 deliveries was a display of timing, placement, and controlled aggression. The innings included eight massive sixes and showed exactly why Iyer is seen as one of India’s most promising all-format players.
Gavaskar emphasized how Iyer’s leadership wasn’t just about personal performance—it was about his impact on the entire team. Young players responded well under his captaincy, and there was a noticeable sense of unity and calm within the squad even during pressure situations. Iyer’s partnership with Nehal Wadhera during the chase proved decisive, as the duo added 84 runs and effectively took the game away from Mumbai.
More importantly, Gavaskar underlined the emotional and mental strength Iyer showed. In previous seasons, Punjab Kings had struggled to hold their nerve in knockout situations. This time, Iyer’s composed approach trickled down to the rest of the players. His field placements, bowling changes, and ability to take risks at the right time were all elements Gavaskar highlighted as signs of a maturing and intelligent cricket leader.
With this victory, Punjab Kings have reached the IPL final for the first time since 2014. As they prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, much of the credit for their transformation must go to Shreyas Iyer. His captaincy in this crucial match not only earned applause from legends like Gavaskar but also solidified his reputation as one of the most tactically sound leaders in the league.
Iyer’s evolution as a captain, especially under knockout pressure, has been one of the standout narratives of IPL 2025.