The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been a rollercoaster for Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer. From explosive batting performances to viral leadership controversies, his journey encapsulates the highs and lows of T20 cricket. This article delves into Iyer’s pivotal moments in IPL 2025, focusing on his recent clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)—a match that redefined resilience, strategy, and the unpredictability of the sport.
1. The Record-Breaking Clash: PBKS vs. SRH
A Batting Masterclass from Shreyas Iyer
In Match 27 of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings posted a mammoth total of 245/6 at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Leading from the front, Shreyas Iyer smashed 82 runs off 36 balls, including six fours and six sixes. His innings blended calculated aggression with strategic risk-taking, anchoring PBKS’s innings after openers Priyansh Arya (36 off 13) and Prabhsimran Singh (42 off 23) provided a fiery start13. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis added late fireworks with *34 off 11**, including four consecutive sixes off Mohammed Shami in the final over, which cost SRH 27 runs—the second-most expensive over in IPL history39.
SRH’s Historic Chase
Sunrisers Hyderabad, however, stole the show with a record-breaking chase. Openers Abhishek Sharma (141 off 55) and Travis Head (66 off 37) orchestrated a 171-run partnership in just 12.3 overs, propelling SRH to victory with nine balls to spare. Abhishek’s innings, the highest by an Indian in IPL history, featured 14 fours and 10 sixes, while Head’s aggressive start neutralized PBKS’s bowling attack14. The chase marked the second-highest in IPL history, trailing only PBKS’s 262-run pursuit against KKR in 2024—another match where Iyer faced defeat as captain15.
2. Leadership Under Fire: The DRS Controversy
“Pehle Merese Pucho Na”
A defining moment of the match occurred during SRH’s chase when PBKS all-rounder Glenn Maxwell impulsively signaled for a DRS review after an appeal for Travis Head’s caught-behind dismissal was denied. The on-field umpire accepted Maxwell’s request without consulting captain Iyer, violating IPL protocols that mandate the captain’s approval for reviews. Iyer’s furious reaction—“Umpire, pehle merese pucho na!” (Ask me first)—went viral, highlighting tensions within the PBKS camp367.
The Fallout
The review backfired: replays confirmed no edge, costing PBKS a crucial DRS opportunity. This incident underscored broader issues in PBKS’s decision-making under pressure. Analysts criticized the lack of coordination, with Iyer admitting post-match, “I didn’t rotate the bowlers properly… losing Lockie Ferguson was a big setback”24. Ferguson, PBKS’s pace spearhead, left the field due to a hip injury after bowling just two deliveries, weakening their attack49.
3. Post-Match Reflections: Humor, Frustration, and Honesty
“It Still Makes Me Laugh”
In a candid post-match interview, Iyer oscillated between disbelief and admiration. “It was a fantastic total… still makes me laugh that they chased it with two overs to spare,” he remarked, acknowledging SRH’s dominance124. He credited Abhishek’s “exceptional” knock but pointed to missed opportunities: “We could’ve taken two exceptional catches. He was lucky, but you need luck in such innings”24.
Dew and Bowling Woes
Iyer also cited dew as a critical factor, softening PBKS’s grip on the game: “The ball was stopping in the first innings, but dew made it easier for batters later”49. Despite Harshal Patel’s 4/42 and Eshan Malinga’s 2/45, PBKS’s bowlers struggled to contain SRH’s openers. Iyer conceded, “We didn’t bowl to our expectations… need to go back to the drawing board”12.
4. Viral Moments: From Celebration Notes to Captain’s Curiosities
Abhishek’s Note and Iyer’s Reaction
After reaching his century, Abhishek Sharma pulled out a handwritten note dedicated to SRH fans. Curious, Iyer grabbed the note mid-celebration, sparking a light-hearted moment. His wry smile while reading the message—later revealed to be a tribute to supporters—added a human touch to the high-octane clash5.
Fan and Media Reactions
The DRS controversy and Iyer’s candid post-match remarks dominated social media. Memes juxtaposed his laughter at SRH’s chase with his frustration over the review fiasco, while experts debated PBKS’s tactical flaws. Former cricketer Virender Sehwag tweeted, “Leadership isn’t just about scoring runs; it’s about keeping calm when plans unravel”67.
5. Broader Implications for PBKS and Shreyas Iyer
PBKS’s Tournament Standing
With this loss, PBKS slipped to sixth place (3 wins, 2 losses), while SRH climbed to eighth (2 wins, 4 losses)15. The match exposed vulnerabilities in PBKS’s death bowling and fielding, areas Iyer emphasized need improvement: “Catches win matches… we fell short there”4.
The Road Ahead
For Shreyas Iyer, the challenge lies in balancing his dual role as top-order batter and captain. His 82-run knock proved his batting prowess, but PBKS’s overreliance on individual brilliance—rather than collective strategy—remains a concern. The team must address:
- Bowling Depth: Injuries to key players like Ferguson strain resources.
- Fielding Standards: Dropped catches cost PBKS dearly.
- Leadership Cohesion: The DRS incident highlights the need for clear communication.
Conclusion: A Captain’s Crucible
Shreyas Iyer’s IPL 2025 journey epitomizes the pressures of modern cricket leadership. While his batting continues to shine, his captaincy faces scrutiny. The SRH clash was a microcosm of his season: moments of brilliance overshadowed by tactical missteps. As PBKS gears up for upcoming matches, Iyer’s ability to learn from these experiences will determine their playoff fate.
For now, his laughter at SRH’s audacious chase masks a deeper resolve—to turn setbacks into comebacks. As he said, “These are the learnings for us going forward”12. In the unpredictable arena of the IPL, resilience often writes the finest stories.
