Runs galore, crucial breakthroughs, and tactical brilliance! That’s how PBKS would sum up the IPL 2025 opener.

It has never been a secret how Ricky Ponting and his teams approach the game, and it was on full display in our season opener against Gujarat Titans. The fearless and dynamic brand of cricket showcased by our Shers was a sight to behold, something rarely seen in previous IPL editions. With major roster changes this season, expectations were high, and our boys did not disappoint. Having reached the Playoffs/Knockouts only twice in 17 seasons, the Shers were determined to break the trend. And what a start it was! Here’s how the action unfolded in a thrilling encounter against Gujarat Titans:


On the front foot from the word get go

Losing the toss and being put in to bat, our batters ensured the opposition bowlers had a long night ahead. We were off to a scorching start, thanks to an explosive opening knock by debutant Priyansh Arya. We lost Prabhsimran early in the innings for just 5 from 8 deliveries, allowing our skipper Shreyas Iyer to join the youngster at the crease.

What followed was pure batting masterclass from the duo, with some fearless batting the theme of the innings. Iyer also helped calm the nerves of Priyansh, which, in turn led to him scoring a brilliant knock of 47 from just 23 deliveries. That performance had almost everything you could expect from a debutant, including 7 boundaries & 2 sixes.

Iyer not only helped steady the ship but also helped the ship over the line (more on that later). Cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai and Marcus Stoinis added some valuable runs to the board as well.


Five Star Iyer & a game-changing partnership with Shashank Singh

An 81-run partnership from just 28 balls for the 6th wicket! That’s what separated us from the Gujarat Titans and a win that night. Skipper Iyer, popularly known among the fanbase as Sarpanch Saab gave us a debut to remember. Even though he couldn’t get to his century, his leadership and composure at the crease ensured we got a staggering total with him alongside Shashank Singh at the wicket.

Shashank’s 44 off just 16 balls propelled us to our final score of 243, with 23 coming off it from that over from Siraj. Iyer, on the other hand, shifted gears at will and recorded 9 sixes and 5 boundaries, eventually getting to 97* in just 42 balls. His selfless batting and calmness under pressure set the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign ahead.

Tactical brilliance from Iyer and Ponting mentality

While the batters delivered, the job was only half done. We had a total to defend, but things got tense when Gujarat Titans raced to 138-1 after 12 overs. After 12 overs, the Titans were cruising at 138-1, and we were in search of a breakthrough. Our bowling ace Arshdeep dismissed the man in form - Sai Sudharsan - and it looked like we were set to claw our way back into the game.

Ponting and Iyer made the bold call to bring in Impact Player Vijaykumar Vyshak for the crucial death overs. The plan was simple, bowl wide and full and Vyshak executed it to perfection with crucial input from Arshdeep. The result? we successfully defended our total, restricting Gujarat to 232/7 in 20 overs, securing our first points of IPL 2025!

That bold call from our head coach and captain perfectly embodied the Punjab Kings brand of cricket…unpredictable, fearless, and aggressive. Ponting later revealed that he and the players always backed their abilities and that the sky is the limit for this squad.

With momentum on PBKS’ side, the Shers are ready to take on Lucknow Super Giants next, on Tuesday, April 1. If the opening game is anything to go by, we are in for a treat for the rest of IPL 2025.

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