In a high-octane Qualifier II of IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer showcased his batting brilliance by neutralizing Jasprit Bumrah\u2019s deadliest weapon \u2014 the yorker \u2014 and powered Punjab Kings into the final, keeping their dream of a maiden title alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With 31 runs required off the last 18 balls, Mumbai Indians\u2019 captain Hardik Pandya called upon his most trusted bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, to shut the game down \u2014 a strategy that had worked in the Eliminator against Gujarat Titans. However, this time, Shreyas Iyer had different plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On just the second ball, Bumrah unleashed a near-perfect yorker aimed at middle stump. Shreyas, expecting it, opened the face of his bat at the last moment to guide it past short third man for a boundary \u2014 a shot even AB de Villiers hailed as “the shot of the tournament.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From that moment, the tide turned. Bumrah, attempting three more yorkers, couldn\u2019t nail the execution. Iyer capitalized, helping Punjab take 40 valuable runs off Bumrah\u2019s four overs \u2014 a rare sight in T20 cricket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to personal mentor Pravin Amre, Iyer\u2019s unique high backlift, while giving him less time to react, helps generate superior bat-swing and power. \u201cHis positioning and balance allow him to open the face of the bat even to yorkers. It\u2019s a calculated technique, not just a lucky edge,\u201d Amre told reporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iyer\u2019s evolution also includes handling short balls more effectively. \u201cHe\u2019s no longer backing away \u2014 he\u2019s staying still, balanced, and using upper cuts and pulls to dominate fast bowling,\u201d said Amre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since joining Punjab Kings, Iyer has not only taken over the captaincy but also stepped up as a dependable middle-order enforcer. This season, he\u2019s smashed over 600 runs<\/strong>, improved his strike rate to 175.80<\/strong> (up from a career average of 133.40), and hit 39 sixes<\/strong>, more than his previous three seasons combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Punjab coach Ricky Ponting<\/strong> acknowledged Iyer\u2019s transformation, praising his growing confidence and leadership on and off the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to IPL glory last season, now stands just one win away from delivering Punjab Kings their first-ever IPL title after 18 long seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether Punjab Kings lift the trophy or not, Shreyas Iyer\u2019s 2025 season could well mark the beginning of his return to India\u2019s T20 national squad \u2014 this time, as a seasoned finisher and fearless leader.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Punjab\u2019s Captain Outwits India’s Ace Pacer in a Thrilling Chase to Keep Title Hopes Alive In a high-octane Qualifier II of IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer showcased his batting brilliance by neutralizing Jasprit Bumrah\u2019s deadliest weapon \u2014 the yorker \u2014 and powered Punjab Kings into the final, keeping their dream of a maiden title alive. Bumrah’s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":795,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-794","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-etw-sports"],"yoast_head":"\nOne Win Away From History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n