Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer hailed his side’s collective grit, winning mentality, and team camaraderie after a dominant seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, securing PBKS a top-two finish for just the second time in IPL history.
Majestic fifties from Priyansh Arya (62 off 35) and Josh Inglis (73 off 42) anchored the chase of 185, as PBKS cruised to 187/3 in 18.3 overs, booking a spot in Qualifier 1.
🗣️ Shreyas Iyer’s Post-Match Reaction
“Everyone stepped up at the right time. We’ve been in the mindset that we have to win, no matter the situation. Kudos to the team and management. Ricky [Ponting] has been fantastic,” Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
🔑 Trust and Togetherness
The skipper attributed the team’s success to trust and cohesion, emphasizing how those elements shine in adversity.
“It’s about gaining trust. That happens by winning matches and sticking together. When you’re down in the dumps, it’s easy to backstab—but we’ve stood by each other.”
🌟 Praise for Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis
Iyer lauded young opener Priyansh Arya for his fearless start, calling it “pleasing to the eye,” and backed Josh Inglis as a big-match player.
“Priyansh started fabulously. Josh loves the new ball—I told him to face more deliveries. He can be disruptive, and he showed that. I hope he continues this form.”
🤝 A Team That Trusts
He credited long-term chemistry with the squad and support from the backroom staff.
“We’ve built camaraderie over the last few years. Ricky lets me be decisive on the field, and that freedom has really helped.”
📊 PBKS’ Historic Feat
- Top-two finish for the first time since 2014
- Will play Qualifier 1
- PBKS have now won 4 of their last 5 matches
- MI continue their poor run in Jaipur — just one win in six matches since 2013