April 11, 2025: As Punjab Kings (PBKS) prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next IPL 2025 encounter, left-handed batter Nehal Wadhera took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reflecting on one of the most cherished moments of his IPL journey so far — his maiden fifty against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai during the 2023 season.
Wadhera, who made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2023, etched his name into the tournament’s memory by scoring 64 off 51 balls against CSK on May 6, 2023. It was a crucial knock that came when Mumbai was reeling at 15 for 3. His resilience helped the team post a competitive total of 160.
“There was a moment that was very special for me. I made my maiden fifty against CSK at Chepauk. At that time, we were in a difficult situation—around 15 for 3—and from there, taking the team to a total of around 160 was really important,” said Wadhera in a conversation on JioHotstar.
“I believe I played a crucial role for the team in that match. Had I gotten out early, I don’t think we would’ve reached that score. The preparations I’ve done since childhood helped me a lot in handling such pressure situations,” he added, calling the innings one of the closest to his heart.
Now donning the PBKS jersey in IPL 2025, Wadhera is being mentored by cricketing great Ricky Ponting and led by dynamic skipper Shreyas Iyer. He praised both the coach and captain for fostering a positive, high-confidence environment.
“The way Shreyas instantly connected with all the players—I really liked it. The confidence he carries is remarkable. When a captain shows that kind of belief, it lifts the morale of the team,” Wadhera said.
Speaking about Ponting, he added:
“Ricky Ponting, being the legend he is, brings so much to the table. When I work with him in the nets, everything he says feels so positive. Even the negatives don’t register—they don’t seem to reach our ears. Being around him feels like a blessing.”
PBKS have had a solid start in IPL 2025, winning three out of their four matches and currently sitting fourth on the points table. Their next match is scheduled for Saturday against SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.