Shreyas Iyer's Leadership Shines as Punjab Kings Reach IPL 2025 Playoffs
Excitement at the Toss
At the toss for Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad, Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Punjab Kings, was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. When the coin landed in his favor, the fans erupted in applause as he took the microphone.
Watch the Moment
Watch the video here:
The Cheer, HE Earned It. 🥹🫶❤️ pic.twitter.com/JfRm2cQh0o
— Pick-up Shot (@96ShreyasIyer) June 1, 2025
Historic Achievement
Shreyas Iyer has made history by becoming the first captain to guide three different teams to the playoffs. He previously led Delhi Capitals, his inaugural franchise, to the finals twice, including in 2020. Following that, he secured the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and now he has successfully taken Punjab Kings to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Tactical Decisions
Given the overcast conditions in Ahmedabad, Punjab opted to bowl first. Iyer also welcomed back Yuzvendra Chahal, who had missed several matches due to a wrist injury. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians made a change, substituting Richard Gleeson with Reece Topley after Gleeson suffered a hamstring injury during the eliminator against Gujarat Titans.
Rain Disrupts the Match
The highly anticipated IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings has been disrupted by rain. Initially set to take place in Kolkata, the match was moved to Ahmedabad by the BCCI due to weather concerns following the tournament's suspension amid the India-Pakistan conflict.
Interestingly, while Kolkata enjoys clear weather, Ahmedabad is facing heavy rainfall, causing significant delays. Without a reserve day, if the rain persists and the match is abandoned, Punjab Kings, having a superior position on the points table, will advance to the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Fans have expressed their frustration with the BCCI's decision, especially since Kolkata and Hyderabad reportedly have better weather and drainage systems. Social media is rife with criticism, questioning the board's weather-related decisions and alleging favoritism. If the rain continues, Punjab could potentially reach the final without having bowled a single ball in Qualifier 2.
Match Resumption Conditions
For the match to proceed as a 20-over-a-side game, play must resume by 9:40 PM. Currently, the rain has ceased, but the wet outfield is causing further delays.