Did Everyone Step Up at the Right Time in IPL 2025?

Synopsis
In a thrilling match on May 5, 2025, the Punjab Kings secured a 37-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants, moving them to second place in the IPL standings. Captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team's collective effort, emphasizing the importance of every player's contribution. Can they maintain this momentum heading into the playoffs?
Key Takeaways
- Prabhsimran Singh delivered a remarkable performance with 91 runs.
- The team showcased excellent collective effort to secure the win.
- Captain Shreyas Iyer emphasized the importance of hard work and preparation.
- Field awareness and movement need improvement according to Iyer.
- Rishabh Pant acknowledged challenges faced by LSG and their playoff hopes.
Dharamshala, May 5 (NationPress) Following the Punjab Kings' (PBKS) triumph over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 37 runs, propelling them to second place in the points table, captain Shreyas Iyer expressed his delight at how every player rose to the occasion, securing those vital two points.
At the HPCA Stadium, Prabhsimran Singh dazzled with a stunning 91 runs off 48 balls, supported by key contributions from Josh Inglis, Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis, leading PBKS to a formidable total of 236/5. In response, with Arshdeep Singh taking 3 wickets for just 16 runs, PBKS restricted LSG to 199/7, marking their first IPL victory in Dharamshala in 12 years.
“I am truly elated. The entire team stepped up at the crucial moments, and the contributions were significant. The performances were exceptional and visually striking. I was focused solely on winning the match,” stated Iyer.
“I wasn’t preoccupied with statistics or what constitutes a defendable score. Our success is a blend of luck and hard work. Each player understands their role clearly, and their execution was outstanding.”
“The only area for improvement is our field awareness and movement. We need to trust ourselves and our instincts, which have served us well, rather than overthinking statistics. Ultimately, winning is what matters,” Iyer added post-match.
Rishabh Pant, captain of LSG, reflected on their performance, stating, “We conceded too many runs after choosing to bowl first. Dropping critical catches at inopportune times can be detrimental. We initially misjudged the length, which is part of the game.”
When asked about potential alterations to the batting order, Pant noted, “It’s logical to adjust when the top order is performing well. We can’t rely on them every match. Sometimes, we have to dig deep. The surplus runs we had to chase were a setback.”
Despite LSG's current seventh position, Pant remains optimistic about their playoff chances, declaring, “The dream is still alive. If we can secure victories in our next three matches, we can certainly turn things around and achieve remarkable outcomes.”