Tom Moody Critiques Shreyas Iyer's Performance in IPL 2025 Qualifier

In a recent analysis, former Punjab Kings coach Tom Moody criticized captain Shreyas Iyer's performance during the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Iyer's early dismissal and decision-making were highlighted as key factors in the team's collapse, leading to a total of just 101 runs. Moody emphasized the need for Iyer to focus on the game situation rather than personal challenges. As PBKS prepares for their next match against MI, the scrutiny on Iyer's leadership continues to grow.
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Tom Moody Critiques Shreyas Iyer's Performance in IPL 2025 Qualifier

Moody's Analysis of Iyer's Dismissal

Former coach of Punjab Kings, Tom Moody, has voiced strong criticism regarding the captain Shreyas Iyer's performance during their significant loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1. The Punjab Kings were dismissed for a mere 101 runs in just 14.1 overs, with Iyer managing only 2 runs from 3 balls before being out by Josh Hazlewood.


Personal Baggage Affects Decision-Making

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo’s Timeout, Moody pointed out that Iyer seemed to let personal issues cloud his judgment, particularly against Hazlewood, who has a history of dismissing him.


“At times, you need to put your ego in your pocket and just move forward. To me that was the perfect example of not reading the situation – trying to overcome something that has been a darkness in the past instead of just swallowing your pride and just moving on by just accumulating,” said Moody.


Advice for Iyer's Strategy

Moody further advised that Iyer should have focused on surviving against Hazlewood and targeting the other bowlers instead.


“You only had to see Hazlewood out. It was a simple thing – see him out and look to dissect the rest of their attack. The first ball he played and missed – the perfect line that you'd expect Hazlewood to bowl. He sort of played at it, but didn't really want to play at it. And then, that third ball he got out. To me, he totally misread the game situation and his own situation. Yes, he would be aware that Hazlewood has had him a few times in the past. He would know the exact numbers,” Tom Moody said.


RCB Dominates PBKS in Qualifier

Iyer's early dismissal set a negative tone for Punjab Kings' batting performance in the crucial Qualifier 1 held in New Chandigarh. Hazlewood made a significant impact by taking two wickets, including Iyer and Azmatullah Omarzai, finishing with impressive figures of 3/21. Suyash Sharma also contributed with 3 wickets, leading to PBKS's total of 101.


In response, Phil Salt spearheaded the chase with an explosive 56* off just 27 balls, allowing RCB to reach the target in a mere 10 overs, winning by 8 wickets. Hazlewood was recognized as the MVP, while Suyash Sharma earned the Player of the Match title for his 3/17 performance.


Upcoming Challenges for PBKS

The top order of PBKS struggled significantly, with four of the top six batsmen dismissed for single-digit scores, including Iyer and Josh Inglis. Iyer's failure to stabilize the innings in such a critical match has attracted criticism, with Moody's remarks adding to the ongoing scrutiny.


Looking ahead, PBKS is set to face MI in Qualifier Two, where the winner will advance to compete against RCB in the final scheduled for June 3.


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