Lost the Battle, Not the War": PBKS Skipper Shreyas Iyer Remains Optimistic Despite Crushing Defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1

Mullanpur, May 29: In a high-stakes clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered a resounding eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer remains optimistic, asserting that the team’s campaign is far from over.

Despite a top-of-the-table finish in the league stage with 19 points, PBKS failed to deliver under pressure, collapsing for a mere 101 runs in under 15 overs. The innings was marred by rash shot selection and lack of composure, with no batter managing to anchor the innings. Iyer himself fell cheaply, attempting a mistimed slog off pacer Josh Hazlewood.

Speaking after the loss, Iyer acknowledged the team’s poor batting performance but remained defiant. “We’ve lost the battle, but not the war. We’ve got another opportunity, and we’ll give it everything. The fight isn’t over yet,” he said, referring to their next playoff game – Qualifier 2, where PBKS will face the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians for a spot in the final.

Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Iyer defended the pre-match planning but admitted the execution fell short. “The planning was in place. It was just poor execution. We went too hard too early trying to post a big total, and that cost us,” he explained. He also emphasized the need for professionalism and situational awareness: “We can’t blame pitch conditions or variable bounce. We have to read the situation better and play accordingly.”

RCB, chasing 102, made light work of the target, reaching it comfortably and sending a wave of disappointment through the home crowd in Mullanpur, who had turned up in large numbers with hopes of seeing their team take a step closer to the title.

Despite the heartbreak, Iyer exuded belief in his squad’s ability to bounce back. “We’re a strong unit. We’ve worked hard all season, and now we just need to regroup and bring our best to the next game,” he concluded.

PBKS will now hope to make full use of their second chance and keep their IPL 2025 title hopes alive. The winner of Qualifier 2 will advance to the final and face RCB for the championship.