In the high-octane opening match of the IPL 2025 season, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer showcased an extraordinary display of selflessness that won hearts across the cricketing world. Despite falling just three runs short of a coveted century, Iyer’s unbeaten 97 off 42 balls helped propel PBKS to a colossal total of 243/5 against Gujarat Titans.
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With the match hanging in the balance and the final over impending, Iyer was tantalizingly close to his maiden IPL ton. Yet, true to his team-first mentality, he encouraged his partner Shashank Singh to continue his aggressive approach. Singh responded magnificently, blasting 23 runs in the last over, securing an imposing total for PBKS. Post-match, Singh revealed Iyer’s motivating words: “Shreyas told me, ‘Shashank, don’t worry about my hundred, just keep hitting.'”
The selflessness of Iyer’s act did not go unnoticed. Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta took to social media to laud the young captain’s decision. In a heartfelt post, Zinta wrote, “Some 97s are better than a hundred. Take a bow @ShreyasIyer15 for showing class, leadership & aggression.” Zinta also extended her appreciation to other pivotal players in the victory, including Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Priyansh Arya.
Iyer’s knock, though falling short of a century, was enough to crown him the Player of the Match. His performance not only ignited PBKS’s campaign but also earned commendation from cricket legends and fans alike. As the team sets its sights on maintaining momentum through the IPL 2025 season, Iyer’s leadership stands out as a beacon of inspiration.
Amidst the cricketing fervor, Zinta, a fixture with Punjab Kings since 2008, is also preparing for her Bollywood return after a seven-year hiatus with the upcoming film ‘Lahore 1947’, adding another layer of excitement for her fans.