On June 1, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Shreyas Iyer delivered a breathtaking performance that powered Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2. Chasing a formidable target of 204, Iyer’s unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, laced with 5 fours and 8 sixes, was the cornerstone of PBKS’s triumph, securing their first IPL final appearance since 2014. His innings, blending vintage calm with a vicious finish, drew comparisons to Virat Kohli’s prime and underscored his reputation as a big-match player.
The Chase Begins: A Wobble and a Recovery
Mumbai Indians posted a competitive 203/6, thanks to contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (44), Tilak Varma (44), and Naman Dhir (37 off 18). PBKS, having elected to bowl after Iyer won the toss, faced early trouble in their chase. At 72/3, with the required run rate climbing, the pressure was palpable. Iyer, batting on 11 off 10 balls at the 9-over mark, took charge. He forged an 84-run partnership with Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29), stabilizing the innings and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Iyer’s approach was measured initially, focusing on risk-free rotation to keep the scoreboard ticking. A defining moment came in the 16th over when he faced Jasprit Bumrah, widely regarded as the world’s best death bowler. Iyer coolly steered a middle-stump yorker past short third man for a boundary, a shot that echoed Kohli’s iconic boundary off James Faulkner in the 2016 T20 World Cup. This moment not only eased the pressure but also showcased Iyer’s composure under fire.
Post Match Interview: Shreyas Iyer
The Finishing Flourish: Iyer’s Explosive Assault
As the chase entered its critical phase, Iyer shifted gears with devastating effect. In the 16th over, he smashed three consecutive sixes off Reece Topley, signaling his intent to dominate. The 19th over, bowled by Ashwani Kumar, proved to be the game-changer. Iyer unleashed four towering sixes, including three in a row, plundering 24 runs and effectively sealing MI’s fate. This onslaught reduced the equation to a formality, and Iyer ensured no further hiccups, guiding PBKS to 207/5 with an over to spare.
His final tally of 87 not out included 5 fours and 8 sixes, with a strike rate of 212.20. The innings was a perfect blend of elegance and aggression, with Iyer’s ability to pick the right moments to attack proving decisive. His performance was lauded for its pacing, as he started cautiously before unleashing a barrage of boundaries, ensuring PBKS never looked desperate despite losing wickets at key intervals.
A 1⃣1⃣ year wait ends… 🥹#PBKS are in the #TATAIPL 2025 Final and who better than Captain Shreyas Iyer to take them through ❤
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/vIzPVlDqoC#PBKSvMI | #Qualifier2 | #TheLastMile | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/vILymKxqXp
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 1, 2025
Leadership and Legacy: A Big-Match Player
Iyer’s knock was all the more significant given PBKS’s context. After an eight-wicket loss to RCB in Qualifier 1, their confidence was shaken, making Qualifier 2 a do-or-die clash. As captain, Iyer led from the front, demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen. His ability to anchor the innings and then explode in the latter stages drew parallels with Virat Kohli’s prime, with analysts noting his “vintage calm and vicious finish”.
Iyer’s knockout record further cements his reputation as a clutch performer. Across 21 white-ball knockout games, he has scored 719 runs at an average of 44.93, including a century and four half-centuries. In IPL knockouts, he boasts 303 runs in 11 innings at an average of 54.82 and a strike rate of 175.80, with six fifties, including this 87*. His past performances, such as 65 in the IPL 2020 final and a 67-ball century in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal, highlight his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
Shreyas Iyer’s 87* in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 will be remembered as a defining moment in his career and a pivotal chapter in Punjab Kings’ journey. His ability to blend composure with explosive hitting not only secured PBKS’s place in the final but also positioned Iyer as a potential game-changer for the June 3, 2025, showdown against RCB.
As PBKS aim to end their title drought, Iyer’s leadership and batting prowess will be key. This innings, marked by its Kohli-esque flair, has solidified his status as one of India’s premier big-match players, with implications for his future with the national team.
Also Read: MI vs PBK : Records Galore After PBKS Register A Resounding Win Over MI