Shreyas Iyer Stars as Punjab Kings Edge Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 Run Fest
Punjab Kings (PBKS) started their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in a high-scoring encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Making his debut as PBKS captain, Shreyas Iyer led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls, guiding his team to a massive total of 243/5.
Shreyas Iyer’s Masterclass
On a batting-friendly pitch, Iyer was unstoppable, dispatching the GT bowlers to all parts of the ground. His innings, studded with nine sixes, ensured Punjab didn’t lose momentum despite a few quick wickets in the middle overs. Partnering with *Shashank Singh (44 off 16)**, he powered PBKS to an imposing total, smashing 87 runs in the last five overs.
Iyer’s fearless approach saw him dominate bowlers like Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan, showing no mercy even against GT’s strongest bowling assets. He had a century within reach but was left stranded at *97 as Shashank took charge in the final over, blasting Mohammed Siraj for 23 runs.
As the crowd erupted in chants, Iyer shared a victorious hug with Shashank, walking off with a satisfied smile.
Young Priyansh Arya Makes a Mark
Before Iyer’s heroics, 24-year-old Priyansh Arya set the tone with a blistering knock at the top. Dominating the powerplay, the left-hander smashed 47 off 24 balls, taking Arshad Khan for 21 runs in a single over. Though he fell short of a half-century, his aggressive start ensured Punjab had the momentum from the beginning.
Titans’ Brave Fightback
Chasing 244, Gujarat Titans made an aggressive start with Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler leading the way. Despite Gill falling to Glenn Maxwell after a quick start, Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41) and Buttler (54 off 33) kept GT in the hunt. They stitched together an 84-run partnership, capitalizing on some sloppy fielding.
As the required run rate climbed, Sherfane Rutherford (46 off 20) played a fiery knock, keeping GT’s hopes alive. They needed 27 runs off the final over, but Arshdeep Singh held his nerve, conceding only 15 runs, sealing a thrilling win for Punjab.
Vyshak and Arshdeep Deliver at the Death
Impact Player Vijaykumar Vyshak played a crucial role in tightening the screws in the death overs. Bowling the 15th and 17th overs, he stuck to a full-length attack, ensuring GT couldn’t accelerate. Arshdeep then finished the job in the final over, displaying immense composure under pressure.
Sai Kishore Stands Out in a Tough Night for GT Bowlers
Among the GT bowlers, Sai Kishore (3/30) was the standout performer, dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai and Glenn Maxwell in consecutive deliveries. However, the rest of the attack struggled, with Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj proving expensive, failing to justify Gill’s decision to bowl first.
Match Summary
Punjab Kings: 243/5 (Shreyas Iyer 97*, Priyansh Arya 47, Shashank Singh 44*; Sai Kishore 3/30)
Gujarat Titans: 232/5 (Sai Sudharsan 74, Jos Buttler 54, Rutherford 46; Arshdeep Singh 2/36)
With this win, Punjab Kings have made a strong statement in IPL 2025, led by a captain who means business.
