New or returning players have dominated the spotlight in the opening week of IPL 2025, and Ahmedabad was no exception. Last season’s title-winning captain made a stunning statement as Shreyas Iyer spearheaded Punjab Kings’ batting attack, guiding them to their second-highest total ever and securing an 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans.
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Iyer Leads by Example with Explosive Knock
Shreyas Iyer was on the brink of a century, sitting at 97 off 42 balls as the final over began. However, he didn’t face a single delivery, having instructed his partner, Shashank Singh, not to worry about his personal milestone. Before the season, Iyer had expressed his desire to bat at No. 3, and against Gujarat Titans, he demonstrated just how destructive he can be in that position. His career-best IPL score featured nine sixes—only once before in the tournament had he cleared the boundary more times. This aggressive approach was a deliberate strategy.
Aware that Punjab Kings needed a massive total on a pitch where chasing teams had won five of the last six IPL games, Iyer played with intent. With the evening dew making bowling tougher, he capitalized on every scoring opportunity. He flicked Kagiso Rabada’s fourth delivery for six, punished Sai Kishore right after the spinner had taken two wickets in two balls, and even dominated Rashid Khan, smashing two of the five sixes the Afghan leg-spinner conceded in his 4-0-48-1 spell. So focused was Iyer on scoring that he even spotted a wide from the non-striker’s end in the 15th over. When he finally took strike for the extra delivery, he sent that for six as well.
A New Star and a Familiar Finisher
Priyansh Arya, a fresh face in the Punjab Kings’ lineup, lived up to the pre-season praise from coach Ricky Ponting. The 24-year-old left-handed opener made an immediate impact, smashing eight of his team’s 12 boundaries in the powerplay—no small feat considering he was up against Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.
Meanwhile, Shashank Singh, a more familiar name, delivered a crucial late-innings burst. With the death overs approaching, he wasted no time settling in, making the most of his 16-ball stay by sending half of them to the boundary. His standout moment came in the final over, where he took Siraj apart, contributing to a 23-run finish that propelled Punjab to a formidable total.
Sudharsan Shines Again
Sai Sudharsan has a knack for delivering on the big stage. The last time he batted at this venue in the IPL, he smashed a century against CSK in the final, showcasing his temperament for high-pressure games. So far, no bowling attack has managed to expose any glaring weaknesses in his game. While T20 may not be his ideal format, as it demands a level of acceleration beyond his natural style, his ability to build an innings makes him a strong contender for Test cricket. With an England tour on the horizon—and two seasons of first-class experience there—his red-ball debut for India might not be far away.
In this game, Sudharsan played a vital knock, scoring 74 off 41 balls, igniting Gujarat Titans’ charge as they plundered 87 runs between the ninth and 14th overs. At that point, Titans were ahead of Punjab by 30 runs (169 vs 139) with two fewer wickets lost. Meanwhile, Jos Buttler, batting at No. 3 for his new team, also made his presence felt with a solid fifty.
Vyshak’s Game-Changing Spell
Vijaykumar Vyshak made an immediate impact after being subbed in, delivering a match-defining spell in the death overs. Tasked with bowling the 15th over, he had one clear objective—nail the blockhole. Despite the challenging dew conditions, which occasionally turned his yorkers into wide full-tosses, he stuck to his plan relentlessly.
Across the 15th and 17th overs, Vyshak bowled exclusively at a full length, refusing to offer anything hittable on a good length. His precision and execution choked Gujarat Titans’ scoring, conceding just 10 runs in those 12 balls. This spell drained the momentum from Titans’ innings—while Punjab plundered 77 runs in their final five overs, Gujarat managed only 50, ultimately falling short in the chase.
Read More: IPL 2025: RR vs KKR – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI And Where To Watch The Match LIVE
FAQs
How did Shreyas Iyer perform in IPL 2025 against Gujarat Titans?
Shreyas Iyer played a blistering knock, scoring 97 off 42 balls, leading Punjab Kings to their second-highest total in IPL history and an 11-run victory.
Who were the standout performers for Punjab Kings in the match?
Apart from Iyer, Priyansh Arya impressed as an opener, dominating the powerplay, while Shashank Singh provided a late flourish, smashing 23 runs in the final over.
What made Sai Sudharsan’s innings special?
Sudharsan scored 74 off 41 balls, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure games. His innings powered Gujarat Titans during a dominant phase, but they ultimately fell short.
How did Vijaykumar Vyshak impact the match?
Vyshak’s precision in the 15th and 17th overs, conceding just 10 runs, stalled Gujarat’s momentum, restricting them to only 50 runs in the last five overs.
Could Sai Sudharsan be in contention for India’s Test squad?
Given his composed batting style and experience in first-class cricket in England, Sudharsan could be a strong candidate for India’s upcoming Test tour of England.
