IPL 2025: Boys actually played their roles well, says skipper Iyer as PBKS dismantle LSG

Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings sent a strong message with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Leading from the front, the Punjab skipper emphasized mindset over team combinations after his side outclassed LSG in all departments.

Punjab Kings embodied the winning mentality their captain preached. Seizing control from the first over, they never allowed LSG to settle. Opting to bowl first, PBKS struck early through Arshdeep Singh, who dismissed the dangerous Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck. That early breakthrough set the tone as Punjab’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, stifling the hosts at every turn.

“This is the start we needed. The boys played their roles to perfection, executed our plans brilliantly, and gave their best. To be honest, there’s no perfect combination—camaraderie and synergy just have to click at the right time,” Iyer said after Punjab’s emphatic win.

Aware of Rishabh Pant’s struggles against Glenn Maxwell, Iyer introduced the Australian off-spinner early in the powerplay—a move that paid off instantly. Maxwell lured Pant into a false stroke, dismissing the LSG captain cheaply and further derailing the innings.

LSG found some resistance through Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni, who stitched together a 54-run stand to inject life into the innings. Pooran’s explosive 44 off 30 balls threatened to shift the momentum, but Yuzvendra Chahal once again turned the game in Punjab’s favour, inducing a mistimed loft that found Maxwell at long-off.

Badoni carried the innings forward with Abdul Samad, whose quickfire 27 off 12 balls lifted LSG to a competitive 171/7. However, the total proved insufficient against a Punjab side brimming with confidence.

Prabhsimran Singh ensured there were no hiccups in the chase, hammering a blistering 69 off just 34 deliveries. His fearless stroke play left LSG’s bowlers searching for answers as Punjab surged to 84/2 in no time.

Iyer, calm and composed, anchored the chase with a fluent unbeaten 52 off 30 balls, while Nehal Wadhera played the finisher’s role to perfection. Wadhera’s quickfire 43 off 25 deliveries ensured Punjab cruised home with 22 balls to spare, securing their second consecutive win of the tournament.

“All teams have the potential to win—you just need the right mindset. That’s what we always emphasize. For me, this inning is already history. My focus is on the next one,” Iyer concluded.