Nehal Wadhera couldn’t quite capitalise on his start in Punjab Kings’ high-scoring clash against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025 match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. Coming in at No. 4 with the platform well set, much was expected from the young left-hander, but his promising cameo was cut short.
Wadhera got going in style with a crisp boundary, hinting at a potentially destructive knock. He looked composed at the crease, picking his spots and timing the ball well. But just as he looked ready to accelerate, LSG’s Prince Yadav produced a sharp delivery that ended his stay.
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On the second ball of the 16th over, Yadav delivered a yorker-length ball on leg stump. Wadhera attempted an audacious paddle shot, trying to get inside the line and guide it fine. However, he missed it completely, and the ball clattered into the leg stump, bowling him around his legs.
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Nehal Wadhera had to walk back after scoring 16 runs off just 9 balls, a brief but impactful knock that included two fours and a six at a brisk strike rate of 177.78. With his dismissal, Punjab Kings were four down for 172, and it momentarily halted their momentum.
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While Wadhera has shown glimpses of brilliance this season, his struggles against pace continue to be a concern. In the IPL, he averages just 18.42 against fast bowlers, having scored 258 runs off 184 balls with 14 dismissals. In stark contrast, he’s far more comfortable against spin, where he averages over 50 and strikes at nearly 146.
For Wadhera, unlocking consistency—especially against quicks—remains the next big step in evolving into a complete middle-order force in the IPL.
