Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer credits instinctive decisions, Marco Jansen’s bounce, and Wadhera’s composed finish in dominant win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 19:
Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer expressed satisfaction after his team secured a convincing five-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a rain-shortened IPL 2025 clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Chasing a modest target of 96 in 14 overs, PBKS got over the line in 12.1 overs, with Nehal Wadhera anchoring the chase with a composed 33 off 19 deliveries*.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Iyer reflected on the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and praised his team’s adaptability.
“Variety is the spice of life, and we’re here to experience all kinds of games. It’s a great challenge,” said Iyer.
The PBKS skipper also shared insights into his tactical decisions, revealing that most of them were made on instinct.
“There wasn’t much thinking, to be honest. I just made instinctive moves. I didn’t want new batters to settle in. Jansen was bowling with great bounce, and we wanted to capitalise on that,” Iyer explained.
Marco Jansen made a big impact, taking 2/10 and using the surface to extract extra bounce, which rattled RCB’s top order.
“We didn’t know how the wicket would behave, but the bowlers adapted quickly. Arshdeep mentioned that hard-length deliveries were tough to hit, and that became our strategy. The execution was brilliant,” Iyer added.
The captain had high praise for Nehal Wadhera, who held his nerve under pressure and saw the chase through.
“His approach was wonderful today. He knew what the team needed and delivered,” Iyer noted.
Iyer also lauded Yuzvendra Chahal, who returned with 2/11 in a highly economical spell.
“I spoke to him and reminded him that he’s a match-winner. He has that bounce-back ability and remains one of the best bowlers in the IPL,” the skipper said.
With this win, PBKS moved up the points table and will next face RCB once again on April 20 in Mullanpur, looking to continue their winning momentum.