The IPL 2025 is heating up, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) just made a statement! They beat Gujarat Titans (GT) by 11 runs in a high-scoring thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer was the star of the show, playing a stunning knock of 97 off 42 balls. He was just three runs short of a hundred, but in the end, it was all about the team.
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Punjab went for a big total rather than personal milestones, and it paid off. Winning the toss and opting to bat, PBKS went all out from the start.
Young opener Priyansh Arya laid the foundation with a good 47, but it was Iyer who stole the show.
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The Punjab skipper was in beast mode, smashing nine sixes in his innings, destroying GT’s bowlers with ease.
As he approached his hundred, he had a choice to slow down for a personal landmark or keep attacking. He chose the latter and put the team first.
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This is the kind of leadership that makes a difference. Last year, there were instances where captains played for personal milestones at the cost of the team’s success.
Hardik Pandya, in particular, faced criticism for a few such innings. Iyer’s approach is a lesson—true leaders always prioritize the team over personal records.
Shashank Singh added the finishing touches with a brutal 44 off 16 balls, and PBKS crossed 240. GT’s bowlers were clueless.
Chasing 244 was never going to be easy, but GT didn’t go down without a fight. Sai Sudharsan played a brilliant innings, scoring 74 off 41 balls and keeping the hope alive.
But with every over, the required run rate kept climbing, and PBKS bowlers held their nerve. GT finished at 232/5, 11 runs short.
Iyer’s innings was not just about big hits; it was about intent, leadership, and sacrifice. He could have slowed down to get his hundred, but he didn’t. Instead, he focused on getting PBKS to the biggest total possible. That’s what a true leader does—team first, records later.
His decision to keep attacking ensured PBKS had enough on the board, making GT’s chase almost impossible.
This win puts Punjab Kings in a good position early in the season. If they play with this attitude all season, they could be a playoff contender.
GT will take this as a warning, especially their bowling department. Conceding 240+ in the first few games is something they need to fix soon.
IPL 2025 is going to be a big season. One thing is for sure—Punjab Kings are here to play, and Shreyas Iyer is leading the way!
