Is Shreyas Iyer Motivated to Excel After Being Overlooked for the England Test Tour?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shreyas Iyer shows resilience after Test snub.
- His unbeaten 87 led Punjab Kings to victory.
- Ricky Ponting emphasizes Iyer's hunger to improve.
- The collaboration between Ponting and Iyer proves effective.
- Punjab Kings aim for their first IPL title.
New Delhi, June 2 (NationPress) Ricky Ponting, the former captain of Australia, asserts that Shreyas Iyer’s notable performance in IPL 2025 is a direct response to his exclusion from the Indian squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in England. Recently, Iyer scored an impressive unbeaten 87, leading Punjab Kings to a five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, setting the stage for a title showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. A win in this match would mark PBKS’s first IPL championship.
“I was genuinely disappointed, but he has handled it well and moved forward. He has a newfound intensity and desire to excel every time he takes the field and is eager to win matches and grow into the best leader and captain he can be,” Ponting stated.
“Other players selected in that Test squad have earned their spots through strong performances in first-class cricket and impressive IPL seasons, and Shreyas has matched their efforts,” he added. “I felt he would be chosen, so I was let down when he wasn’t. This probably fuels his drive as we approach these crucial playoff matches,” Ponting remarked during The ICC Review show.
Ponting and Iyer previously collaborated at Delhi Capitals, where they reached the playoffs from 2019 to 2021, including a final appearance in 2020. “I relish my role with him as we collaborate effectively,” he said. “We often discuss strategies, and Iyer mentioned that he entrusts me with tactical decisions and player selections, allowing him to focus on executing on the field. Our partnership has been rewarding this year,” he concluded.