Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer dazzled fans with an impressive knock of 85 runs off just 41 balls in a recent intra-squad practice match at the new PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. Iyer's standout performance was instrumental in Team B setting a formidable target of 205 runs in a 20-over format.
In response, Team A fell just short, scoring 198 runs, primarily due to an explosive start by openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, who scored 72 runs off 31 balls and 66 runs off 42 balls, respectively. Vishnu Vinod also contributed with a quick 26 runs not out from just 10 balls. However, they couldn’t quite chase down the total, losing by seven runs. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers for Team B, taking two wickets for just 22 runs over four overs.
The practice match took place on March 19, 2025, just days before Punjab Kings' IPL season opener against the Gujarat Titans, set for March 25 in Ahmedabad. Prior to the match, the team held a press conference on March 18, attended by Iyer, Head Coach Ricky Ponting, and CEO Satish Menon, to discuss their strategies and objectives for the upcoming season.
During the press conference, Ricky Ponting shared his enthusiasm for Iyer's leadership. "He’s an incredible individual. As an IPL-winning captain, we couldn’t have asked for a better leader," Ponting stated, acknowledging Iyer's early contributions to the team's dynamic. He further noted that Iyer had just joined the camp a few days prior but was already establishing his leadership style effectively. "Honestly, I couldn’t be happier," Ponting expressed.
Reflecting on the team's composition, Ponting pointed out a brilliant mix of youthful energy and seasoned experience. "We’ve achieved a fantastic balance between youthful energy and seasoned experience. We’ve got a solid group of top-tier Indian players alongside some exceptional international talent," said Ponting. He added, "I’m pleased with how the squad has come together. Our first practice session went well, and the players have been giving their best during training." This blend is expected to be a vital factor for their performance in the league.
Shreyas Iyer reciprocated Ponting's sentiments, expressing his excitement about the season and the opportunity to work with Ponting again. "He supports everyone. When I worked with him for the first time in the past, he made me feel like I am a great player and I can easily excel in this format. The confidence he gives a player is of a different level," Iyer remarked. This depth of support he feels translates into a strengthened team environment as they pursue their goals.
Iyer elaborated on the team's mindset heading into the season: "The goal is to win the trophy, that is our mindset right now and it's a step-by-step process... the way we are practicing right now and the way we're sharing our wavelength and camaraderie with each other, it is going really well." This focus on unity and collaborative spirit could shape their journey in this highly competitive season.
As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, the Punjab Kings will look to utilize their talented roster effectively. The team's full squad features a mixture of seasoned players and promising newcomers, including the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis as all-rounders alongside notable bowlers such as Lockie Ferguson and Yuzvendra Chahal. The squad reflects Ponting’s balanced approach as they aim to clinch the elusive IPL title.
With high stakes and palpable excitement as they approach their opener against the Gujarat Titans, the Punjab Kings are eager to leverage their foundational preparation, teamwork, and leadership to achieve a stellar run in this year’s IPL. Fans are eager to see if their ambitions align with performance on the pitch as the tournament kicks off.
