Shreyas Iyer and co. were left disappointed in their backyard at Mullanpur, as their aggressive approach on a tricky surface backfired, costing them an opportunity to qualify directly for the IPL 2025 final.
Punjab Kings got a reality check when RCB bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma dismantled them for just 101 in the first innings. RCB then chased down the target in only 10 overs, securing their place in the IPL 2025 final
Tom Moody Criticizes Shreyas Iyer’s Dismissal
Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal became a major talking point. Facing Hazlewood, Iyer was beaten on the first delivery outside off. On the very next ball, he attempted an ill-timed aggressive shot, only to edge it straight to Jitesh Sharma, who completed the catch in style. The PBKS captain was dismissed for just 2 off 3 balls in Qualifier 1.
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Former Punjab Kings coach Tom Moody criticized Iyer’s approach, pointing out that his ego might have played a role in the dismissal. He suggested Iyer misread both the delivery and the match situation.
“The first ball he played and missed – the perfect line that you’d expect Hazlewood to bowl. He sort of played at it but didn’t really want to play at it. And then, that third ball he got out. To me, he totally misread the game situation and his own situation. Yes, he would be aware that Hazlewood has had him a few times in the past. He would know the exact numbers.” the former Punjab coach said on ESPNcricinfo.
Moody also highlighted Iyer’s poor T20 record against Hazlewood. Before this match, the Aussie pacer had dismissed him four times, and Iyer averaged just 2.22 against him.
“At times, you need to put your ego in your pocket and just move forward. To me, that was the perfect example of not reading the situation, trying to overcome something that has been a darkness in the past, instead of just swallowing your pride and moving on by just accumulating. You only had to see Hazlewood out. It was a simple thing – see him out and look to dissect the rest of their attack.”
Also Read: “Lost the Battle, Not the War” - Shreyas Iyer Rallies Punjab Kings After Qualifier 1 Meltdown
Punjab Kings Look to Bounce Back in Qualifier 2
Punjab Kings, despite the loss, will get another shot at the final through Qualifier 2. They’ll face the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, set to be played on 30/05/2025 at 7:30 PM at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.
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Stay tuned for the highlights and full coverage of the GT vs MI IPL 2025 Eliminator.
