Shreyas Iyer Struggles Again as Punjab Kings Face Early Collapse in IPL 2025 Qualifier

Punjab Kings' Early Trouble in IPL 2025 Qualifier
In the IPL 2025 qualifier, Punjab Kings were counting on Shreyas Iyer to deliver, but he fell victim to his ongoing struggles at Mullanpur. The team faced significant challenges right from the start due to a top-order collapse during the powerplay. Iyer, who has been the team's top scorer throughout the season, was dismissed cheaply by Josh Hazlewood, a bowler he has struggled against in the past.
Hazlewood, having previously troubled Iyer, entered the match with the pressure on the batsman to stabilize the innings. With both Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh already dismissed, the responsibility fell on Iyer. Unfortunately, he couldn't find his footing and attempted a risky shot down the ground, resulting in an edge that was easily caught by Phil Salt.
Welcome back, #JoshHazlewood! ❤️👏🏻#RCB’s strike bowler bags the prized scalp of #ShreyasIyer in his very first over, extending his dominance in this classic matchup! 🔥
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 29, 2025
LIVE NOW ➡ https://t.co/B4bnHnppgJ #IPLPlayoffs Qualifier 1 👉 #PBKSvRCB on Star Sports Network &… pic.twitter.com/G2mYI4ZFhp
In the ongoing match between PBKS and RCB, Hazlewood has now dismissed Iyer three times in just five IPL innings. The Punjab Kings captain managed only 9 runs off 19 balls against the Australian bowler, with a striking rate of 47.36. On this occasion, Hazlewood claimed Iyer's wicket for the second time in three deliveries as the Punjab team struggled.
Despite being the leading run-scorer for his team in IPL 2025, Iyer has consistently underperformed at Mullanpur. His better scores have predominantly come in away matches, and he has struggled to find his rhythm at home. With the critical playoff taking place at Mullanpur, the Punjab Kings are in dire need of their captain's contribution. Unfortunately, he has yet again failed to meet expectations, with his highest score at this venue this season being just 10 runs, alongside four dismissals under 10, including one duck.