Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer (ANI Image)
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer remained calm and reflective after his side suffered back-to-back defeats, insisting that the team remains in a strong position despite the setback.Speaking after the loss to Gujarat Titans, Iyer felt 163 was a competitive total given the nature of the pitch.
He noted that the surface had the support of the bowlers early on and credited the opposition for making better use of it.
“Personally I feel it was a great score on the wicket as the ball was running a bit at the start…the bowlers made the best of the surface,” he said.PBKS were shaken early, losing four wickets inside the powerplay, but a recovery led by Suryansh Shedge helped them to a fighting total. Ayer acknowledged the effort.
“Getting to 160 from there was a massive effort,” he noted, while also admitting that the bowlers were unable to replicate the same control with the new ball.He highlighted execution as the key difference, especially on a pitch with variable bounce where hitting shots was not easy to deliver. “Batting over mid-on or playing a pull was not easy… in terms of execution, we fell a bit short,” Iyer explained.Despite the loss, the PBKS captain was quick to stress the positives, particularly the team’s attitude and resilience.
He said: “The way we fought until the end deserves appreciation for the efforts made. The attitude and approach were excellent.”Most importantly, Iyer reminded that the Kings of Punjab still sit at the top of the table. He added, “We are still at the top of the standings, which is what matters. We will benefit from this match positively,” stressing the importance of remaining consistent.Looking to the future, Iyer was optimistic about making a comeback in the next match. He stressed the importance of preparation and mentality, saying that the team is working behind the scenes. “If the character is high and the attitude is right, you will get results eventually…You just have to stick to our basics and not think too much about the future.”As the playoff race heats up, PBKS may have faltered briefly, but their leader’s message is clear – stay calm, trust the process, and the results will follow.
