After scripting a memorable victory over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Sunday, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have sealed their place in the IPL 2025 final, breaking an 11-year-long wait. As the team gears up to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Tuesday’s championship clash at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, captain Shreyas Iyer addressed the media, sharing insights on the journey so far and what lies ahead.
Reflecting on PBKS’s season, Iyer credited the team’s collective effort and strong start for building momentum. “The captain’s role is to bring out the best in every player. Right from the beginning, we had clarity and rhythm. From that point, individuals kept stepping up,” he said.
The skipper was particularly impressed with the team’s younger players. “Our youngsters have been fearless, taking charge from the very first ball. Their energy and consistency have played a key role in getting us to the final,” he added. In Sunday’s knockout match, PBKS faced early setbacks with the bat. But Iyer rose to the occasion, anchoring the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, leading the team to a crucial win.
Describing his mindset during the game, he explained: “I focus on reading the situation, not getting ahead of the game. Whether it’s the required run rate or pitch behavior, I adapt in real time. Precision is everything, and on big days, those plans have to click.” Despite the high-stakes win, Iyer kept his celebrations muted. “For me, the job is only half done. The final is still ahead. I knew I needed to recover quickly and focus on the next match,” he said with composure.
The captain also spoke about the team’s ability to adapt—an area of growth since their earlier loss to RCB. “You can’t follow a rigid strategy in T20 cricket. We’ve learned to be flexible. The youngsters have matured, and their game awareness has improved,” Iyer noted.
As the final approaches, Iyer made it clear that his only aim is to lead PBKS to victory. “On the field, it’s all about competition. There’s no comfort zone, only a will to win. I will give everything to ensure my team lifts the trophy.”
