Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya offered a frank assessment after his team’s defeat against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 playoffs. While praising Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer’s remarkable batting, he didn’t shy away from admitting the flaws in Mumbai’s bowling execution.
“Especially Shreyas, the way he batted, he took his chances and played really well. It was a par score, but it really needed great execution from the bowling unit.”
“They were really calm and put us under pressure, and we were not able to execute the way we wanted. [Should Bumrah have bowled the 17th over?] In hindsight, it would have been different, but maybe a little too early,” said Hardik Pandya.
His comments pointed to a tactical oversight, especially with the limited use of Jasprit Bumrah in the death overs. Despite setting a challenging total, Mumbai faltered under pressure, conceding momentum during crucial stages of the second innings.
Shreyas Iyer Leads Punjab to Historic Final
Punjab Kings, chasing 204, demonstrated both aggression and composure under Iyer’s leadership. The innings began with an early hiccup as Prabhsimran Singh was dismissed for 6, leaving the team at 13/1. Priyansh Arya contributed a quickfire 20 before departing at 55/2. From there, Australian Josh Inglis and Shreyas Iyer took charge.
Inglis played a valuable cameo of 38 off 21 balls before falling to Pandya. Iyer then found strong support in Nehal Wadhera, as the duo stitched an 84-run partnership. Wadhera scored a solid 48 before being dismissed, but by then, Punjab had gained control of the chase. Despite a couple of setbacks, including a run-out, Iyer remained composed and drove the innings forward with authority.
Punjab Crowned Finalists as Mumbai Fall Short
Shreyas Iyer kept the required run rate in check, with Punjab crossing 100 in 10.3 overs and 150 by 15.1 overs. His calculated aggression ensured Punjab remained on track, and he fittingly finished the chase in the 19th over with a towering six. His unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, laced with five fours and eight sixes, earned him the Player of the Match award.
This victory propelled Punjab Kings to their first IPL final since 2014, adding a defining moment to Iyer’s captaincy career. Earlier, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav had steadied the Mumbai innings with 44 runs each, helping the team to a strong total of 203/6, which ultimately proved insufficient.
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