In what could be a defining moment for Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign, skipper Shreyas Iyer rose to the occasion with a courageous knock against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday, May 18. Despite nursing a painful finger injury, Iyer showed tremendous grit and led from the front in this all-important clash.
According to The Times of India, Iyer sustained an injury to his index finger during a training session on the eve of the match. The discomfort was evident, but the PBKS captain brushed aside any thoughts of sitting out. With the team’s playoff hopes on the line, he knew his presence was vital. That fighting spirit reflected clearly in his approach at the crease.
Iyer came in to bat at No. 5, with Punjab in a precarious position at 34 for 3. The situation called for calm, composure, and leadership—qualities the stylish right-hander brought in abundance. Partnering with the in-form Nehal Wadhera, Iyer stitched together a crucial 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket that helped steady the ship and revive the innings.
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Though visibly uncomfortable, Iyer didn’t shy away from taking on the bowlers. He played some crisp strokes and kept the scoreboard ticking. His 30-run knock came off 25 deliveries at a strike rate of 120 and featured five elegant boundaries. His departure at 101 for 4 marked a crucial turning point, but by then, he had already done his part to inject momentum into the innings.
Shreyas Iyer injured his index finger while training yesterday. He was in pain but didn’t have any thoughts on missing the crucial game. Got a start, looked good during the 25-ball 30.
— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) May 18, 2025
This innings adds to what has been a consistent season for Shreyas Iyer. With 435 runs in 12 matches at an impressive average nearing 49, he has become the backbone of Punjab’s batting unit. Only one other player from the team has more runs than him in this edition of the tournament.
The stakes in this match are sky-high. A win over Rajasthan Royals would place Punjab Kings one step closer to securing a playoff berth. Currently sitting third on the points table with seven wins from 11 games, PBKS are in prime position to go the distance. And with Iyer leading the charge, their dream of lifting the trophy looks more realistic than ever.
