Shreyas Iyer Praises Young Punjab Kings Squad After Narrow IPL Final Loss
Punjab Kings' Journey to the IPL Final
After a thrilling IPL final where Punjab Kings fell short by just six runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, captain Shreyas Iyer expressed pride in his team's performance. The match took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, marking a significant moment for the squad as they aimed for their first IPL title.
In his post-match comments, Iyer commended both the players and the support staff for their efforts throughout the season, which saw Punjab Kings finish at the top of the league with 19 points before their hard-fought defeat in the final.
Celebrating Team Spirit and Future Prospects
"I am very proud of each and every individual who has participated in the team. And a lot of youngsters who have played their first season and the fearless nature that they showed, it was simply phenomenal."
Iyer emphasized the importance of teamwork in Punjab's successful season and expressed optimism for the future. He acknowledged the contributions of the support staff and management, stating that their efforts were crucial to the team's achievements.
"I keep on saying the same thing again and again but hats off to every individual who has been here, who has contributed as support staff, management. I think without them, we wouldn't have reached so far. So kudos to them. And also, you know, job is still half done and we have to receive the trophy next year."
Learning and Growth for Young Players
Reflecting on the season's positives, Iyer noted that the young players not only showcased their talent but also gained invaluable experience for the upcoming tournament. He highlighted their ability to step up during crucial moments.
"Definitely, the way we turned up to every game, every individual stepping up at the right time and saying that I can win the match. There are so many youngsters in the team. I think they have gained a lot of experience out of these matches. And I'm sure that next year when they come, they'll be having immense experience with them. And with that, we can build the tactics and strategies around so that we can play some decent cricket around."
Key Performances and Final Match Insights
The campaign was significantly supported by emerging talents such as Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Harpreet Brar, and Vijaykumar Vyshak. Iyer acknowledged that they fell just short in the final chase.
"Considering the game we played last against MI (where PBKS chased down 204), I personally felt that 200 was a par score. But they bowled brilliantly, especially Krunal, the way he came in. He carries a lot of experience. He has done it over a period of time. And even today, the way he bowled, it was simply phenomenal. And I think that was the turning point."
In the final, Punjab Kings scored 184/7 in response to RCB's 190/9, with Shashank Singh's impressive 61* off 30 balls not enough to secure victory. However, under Iyer's guidance, the team's future appears promising.