Shreyas Iyer's Mastermind Leaves LSG Aghast in IPL 2025

In the IPL 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) put on a remarkable performance, their season's best, with a record-breaking 236 runs against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The game witnessed efforts from main players such as Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Shashank Singh, all of whom recorded massive runs. Yet, perhaps the most attention-grabbing moment was a strategic ploy by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, which left LSG in tatters and had the tide turn in their direction.

The move caught everyone off guard, with Iyer opting to promote Australian batsman Josh Inglis to the No. 3 position in the batting order. The change came after Priyansh Arya's early departure for one run off four balls. Ricky Ponting, the head coach of PBKS, indicated that this was a decision taken by the captain himself. According to Ponting, Shreyas felt that given the presence of the bowling unit of LSG and the nature of the pitch, opening up early with Inglis would give them their best chance of getting the score to a greater level. He further said that LSG's Mayank could possibly open the bowling a bit early, and Inglis was famous for pulling short balls, and therefore he was the ideal man to do the job.

Inglis did not disappoint. He turned up when the team required him the most and snatched 30 runs off just 14 balls in a performance that was as whirlwind as it was breathtaking. His innings featured four sixes, and that put the rest of the batting order in a favorable position. Ponting also mentioned that playing Inglis in provided the team with a good middle order featuring Shreyas, Wadhera, and Shashank dominating the latter overs. PBKS's surprise plan came to fruition, and LSG could not counterattack after the momentum had changed.

Ponting spoke about the match strategy and continued that having a deep batting order gave the flexibility to the top-order batsmen. With players like Azmatullah being sent in at No. 9, PBKS was able to play without any restrictions and attack the LSG bowlers with aggression. By the end of the powerplay, the team had already crossed the 70-run mark, and the momentum was in complete control of the side. The batting unit was inspired to play freely and utilize all chances to their fullest, and this was evident in a dominant performance.

Ponting also used some words to say about the opening batsmen, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, during the same press conference. Both had done very well overall in the tournament up to then, each scoring over 350 runs prior to this match. Ponting had dared them to make a hundred in the match, and though Prabhsimran had come very close, reaching 91 runs off 48 balls, he was short by a few runs of the hundred. Ponting complimented both the openers on their solidity, as he observed that they had the potential to create disastrous partnerships at the top of the order.

Ponting also described how Prabhsimran and Priyansh complement each other at the crease. While Priyansh is more comfortable against the fast bowlers, Prabhsimran is good against both pace and spin and therefore forms an unbeatable combination. The coach also noted that combinations at the top-order are vital in the IPL, and once Prabhsimran and Priyansh are on their way, they can break any bowling line-up. He also added that one of the reasons he was keen to retain Prabhsimran for the season was that. The young batsman's talent and desire to perform came to be reflected in his play, which became very important for PBKS's victory.

Ponting's observations on the team strategy and performances of players were as per the well-thought-out plan that took Punjab Kings to such a dominant score. Captain's decision to leave Inglis up front, opening pair partnership, and batting order depth all contributed significantly towards their victory. Shreyas Iyer's captaincy mentality and leadership were evident in this match, and LSG had no hope of stopping the PBKS rampage. With time, the tactical insight and depth in the PBKS team will just make it a strong contender in the IPL 2025.