With Punjab Kings (PBKS) about to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the highly-anticipated IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur, eyes will be on their fancied skipper Shreyas Iyer. A proven leader and consistent run-getter with the bat, Iyer’s credentials as captain-batter are beyond doubt but Thursday’s encounter may see him witness one of the most critical moments of his career.
Iyer’s Stellar Season as Captain and Batter
Shreyas Iyer has captained PBKS with calm assertiveness and attacking aggression this year. His batting has been nothing short of sensational. With 514 runs scored from 14 matches, Iyer has averaged 51.40 at a daunting strike rate of 171.90. He has posted five half-centuries and a best of 97 not out. He has emerged as one of the most successful captain-batters of IPL 2025, presently at number 10 in the season’s run charts.
What makes Iyer stand out is his sole distinction, he is the only IPL captain to lead three franchises to the playoffs. He had led Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the knockouts before, having won the IPL 2024 title with KKR, a campaign driven by a united team effort and tactical presence of mentor Gautam Gambhir.
Also Read: RCB Vs PBKS: All Eyes On Virat Kohli As Playoffs Begin! How ‘King’ Fared In Knockouts?
Knockout Performer with a Point to Prove
Iyer also has an impressive record in knockout matches. In nine IPL playoff games, he has accumulated 214 runs with an average of 42.80, a strike rate of 127.38, and two half-centuries, one each for DC and KKR. His pressure-handling skills and performances on big days make him central to PBKS’s final hopes.
Weaknesses Against RCB and at Mullanpur
For all his shape, one storyline taints Iyer’s otherwise fantastic season, his battles against RCB and at the Mullanpur ground. This season alone, Iyer has faced two subdued performances against RCB for a total of 6 and 7. His overall IPL performance at Mullanpur hasn’t been very reassuring either, with 10, 9, 0, and 6 in four innings for 25 runs.
Historically, Iyer has accumulated 406 runs in 16 IPL matches against RCB at a strike rate of 120.83 and an average of 27.06, with four half-centuries to his name. In his last 10 innings against the Bengaluru franchise, he has managed 270 runs at 30.00 average, three fifties being included.
A Test of Temperament and Timing
As PBKS try to seal their spot in the final, Iyer will have to put his personal demons behind him against RCB and at Mullanpur. Stage is set for a clinching performance by a player who has already done so much, yet has more to achieve.
Thursday’s encounter will not only be about team tactics – it might be the night that Shreyas Iyer shows the world why he’s not only a talented batter or astute tactician, but an IPL great in the making.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: PBKS Ends 11-Year Wait, RCB Eyes End To Title Drought In Clash For Glory!
