During IPL 2025’s Qualifier 2 clash against Mumbai Indians, fans witnessed an unfamiliar and emotionally charged version of Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer. Known for his composed demeanour and often dubbed the “new captain cool” of the IPL, Iyer momentarily lost his temper following a costly mistake by teammate Shashank Singh that nearly derailed PBKS’s path to the final.

Chasing a formidable target of 204, Punjab were well-positioned at 169/4 when disaster struck in the 17th over. Shashank Singh, facing Trent Boult, nudged the ball and casually strolled for what appeared to be an easy single. But MI captain Hardik Pandya’s sharp fielding and pinpoint direct hit caught Shashank short at the non-striker’s end.

The lapse in judgment stunned everyone, but it was Iyer’s furious reaction that made headlines. He was visibly frustrated, and his angry words towards Shashank post-match went viral, especially when he refused to shake hands with the batter.

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Despite the blunder, Iyer showcased his leadership credentials by anchoring the innings and guiding PBKS to a dramatic win with an over to spare. However, the tension between him and Shashank became a hot topic.

In a candid interview with The Indian Express, Shashank Singh recently opened up about the incident, admitting, “I deserve it, Iyer should have slapped me. My father didn’t speak to me till the final. I was walking like I was on a beach, not in a crunch game. Shreyas was upset, but he later took me out for dinner.”

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Under Iyer’s captaincy and Ricky Ponting’s guidance, PBKS turned heads this season with their fearless brand of cricket. Though they came heartbreakingly close to glory, falling just six runs short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, Punjab Kings earned immense respect for their resurgence and competitive spirit throughout IPL 2025.