GT Vs PBKS: Iyer Tells Shashank 'Don't Worry About My Century' As PBKS Captain Stranded On 97

Shreyas Iyer played a true captain’s knock, but his selfless approach saw him left stranded on 97 off 42 balls as Punjab Kings put up a mammoth 243/5 against Gujarat Titans in their ongoing 온라인카지노 Premier League 2025 campaign opener match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (Match Live Blog)

The former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper, who led KKR to their third IPL title last season, was one of the most sought-after players in the IPL 2025 auction.

Punjab Kings secured him for a staggering ₹26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player of the season, just behind Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants.

Playing his first match as Punjab Kings captain, Iyer led from the front with a stunning 42-ball 97 not out which featured nine sixes and five fours, helping Punjab Kings inch closer to 250-run mark even though a few others disappointed.

At the top, young Priyansh Arya scored 47 off 23 balls with seven fours and two sixes while Shashank Singh hit a 44 not out off 16 balls down the order with six fours and two sixes.

For the Titans, R Sai Kishore was the pick of the bowlers, returning 4-0-30-3.

In the final over, Iyer told Shashank Singh to keep attacking instead of worrying about his hundred, ensuring PBKS finished with a flourish. Shashank responded in style, smashing 44 off just 16 balls.

"The way Shreyas was batting, looking from the dugout was superb. I went in and Shreyas told me to go for it from ball one. He said to go for it before the last over started. Just watching the ball and hitting it. I try to get boundaries. The backing from the team and the management is vital at the number at which I go in. I try to play my shots with freedom. I think I know which shots I need to back," said Shashank at the innings break interview.

Brief Scores:

Punjab Kings: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Priyansh Arya 47, Shreyas Iyer 97 not out, Shashank Singh 44 not out; R Sai Kishore 3/30).

(With PTI inputs)