IPL 2025: Sanjay Manjrekar Criticizes Shreyas Iyer’s Dismissal Against Rajasthan Royals, Says “That Shot Was Terrible”

April 6, 2025: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently shared his thoughts on Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal in Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025 on Saturday. Manjrekar expressed disappointment with Iyer’s shot, calling it a poor dismissal that affected the team’s morale.

“I thought it was hard to watch that kind of dismissal,” Manjrekar said on Match Centre Live on JioHotstar. “It’s not just about how you get out, but the manner of it. A dismissal like that, especially of a captain in form, sends the wrong message to the team. It might not leave them disheartened, but it certainly doesn’t lift their spirits either. That wicket had more of an impact than just one batter getting out.”

The loss was tough for PBKS, who had their work cut out after Iyer’s exit. On the other hand, Manjrekar praised Rajasthan Royals for their strong performance, highlighting the potency of their bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma, along with the rising star Maheesh Theekshana.

“This Rajasthan Royals team is starting to look good,” Manjrekar added. “With Yashasvi Jaiswal getting runs, and the bowling attack including Archer, Sandeep Sharma, and Theekshana, they’re building a solid all-around team.”

Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke also weighed in on the match. He commended Rajasthan Royals’ strong batting performance, particularly their reach to a 200-run total, and praised the impact of Jofra Archer’s opening delivery. Clarke also noted the role that conditions played, as there was no dew to make things easier for the chasing team.

“Rajasthan did really well to reach 200 runs, and PBKS would be disappointed to allow that many,” Clarke said. “Archer’s first ball set the tone, and although Shreyas hit two fantastic cover drives, the fast bounce got to him. The next ball he steps away to play a shot that wasn’t the best, and his stumps were ripped out.”

The match ended with Rajasthan Royals securing a dominant 50-run victory. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s half-century, combined with excellent bowling spells from Archer, Sandeep Sharma, and Theekshana, helped RR to their second win in two matches of IPL 2025.

With this loss, PBKS suffered their first defeat of the season, slipping to fourth place with two wins and a loss. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, climbed to seventh with two wins from two matches.