Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India]: Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer expressed his love for high-pressure chases after guiding his team to a four-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk on Wednesday, a result that eliminated CSK from playoff contention.
Continuing his rich form away from home, Iyer anchored a clinical chase of 191 with a match-winning 72 off 41 balls, ably supported by Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 36). The match also saw Yuzvendra Chahal picking up a crucial hat-trick, dismantling CSK’s lower order and restricting them to 190 in 19.2 overs.
For his leading from the front act, #PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer bags the Player of the Match award 🏆
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 30, 2025
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/eXWTTv7Xhd #TATAIPL | #CSKvPBKS | @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/hEkrHQlevA
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Iyer said,
“I love chasing on any field. I feel like I thrive whenever there’s a big total on the board… it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the batters.”
Iyer, who is yet to score a fifty at home this season, added that staying in the present and working hard in the nets, especially against pace and the new ball, had been key to his success.
“The attitude is something I keep high. These small boxes have been ticked,” he added.
The PBKS captain also revealed insights from the team meeting with coach Ricky Ponting, highlighting a strategy to increase batting intensity and avoid being passive against CSK’s strong death bowling unit.
“The idea was to take on the bowlers and back our finishers. Once I played ten balls and assessed the wicket, I began accelerating,” Iyer explained.
In the match, CSK were reduced to 48/3 early after opting to bat, but a 78-run stand between Sam Curran (88 off 47) and Dewald Brevis (32 off 26) steadied the innings. Curran launched a solo assault, but Chahal’s hat-trick turned the tide, dismissing Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, and Noor Ahmad in consecutive deliveries.
Also SEE : Iyer, Prabhsimran Shine; Chahal’s Hat-Trick Seals PBKS’ Thrilling Win Over CSK at Chepauk
Chasing 191, PBKS started strong with Priyansh Arya (23 off 15) and Prabhsimran Singh adding 44 runs. After Arya’s departure, Iyer and Prabhsimran stitched a vital 72-run stand. Later, Shashank Singh chipped in with a quick 23 off 12, ensuring PBKS crossed the finish line with two balls to spare at 194/6.
For CSK, Khaleel Ahmed (2/28) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/45) tried to contain the flow but lacked support from the rest of the bowling unit.
With this victory, PBKS climbs to second place on the table with 13 points (6 wins, 3 losses, 1 no result), while CSK languishes at the bottom with just 4 points (2 wins in 10 games), officially out of playoff contention.