How Shreyas Iyer’s Selfless Move Helped Punjab Kings Post 243 Against Gujarat Titans – Fans Target Virat Kohli

The IPL fever is in full swing, and in Match 5 of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) delivered a batting masterclass against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. PBKS, led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, posted a mammoth 243/5 in 20 overs, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. Playing his first match for PBKS, Iyer was unstoppable, smashing 97 off just 42 balls, including 9 sixes and 5 fours. While he fell just short of a century, his aggressive intent never wavered. Adding to PBKS’ explosive finish was Shashank Singh, who played a blistering cameo of 44 off 16 balls, ensuring the team crossed the 240-run mark.

However, a notable moment in the first innings came during the 17th over, when Shreyas Iyer was on 66 off 32 balls, facing Prasidh Krishna. With Punjab Kings (PBKS) already in a strong position, Iyer launched a relentless assault, ensuring the scoreboard kept moving at a rapid pace. The over began with Iyer smashing a monstrous six, pulling a good-length delivery wide of long-on. He followed it up with a powerful four over backward point, perfectly placing the shot as deep third was inside the circle. 

On the very next delivery, Iyer cleared the boundary again, swatting a rising short ball despite losing sight of it mid-shot. Krishna, struggling for answers, bowled a fullish delivery wide outside off, but Iyer was unstoppable, hammering another six over wide long-off. The most dramatic moment of the over came when Iyer launched a length ball straight down the ground, where Rahul Tewatia attempted a sensational catch at long-on. 

After multiple replays, it was ruled only two runs, as Tewatia had slightly touched the boundary rope before throwing the ball back. By the end of the over, Iyer had demolished Krishna, collecting 24 runs and bringing PBKS closer to a big total. In Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) IPL 2025 opener against Gujarat Titans (GT), captain Shreyas Iyer played a sensational innings, reaching 90 off just 38 balls by the end of the 17th over. With three overs remaining and just 10 runs needed for his century, fans expected him to complete his ton in his debut game for PBKS. 

However, in a selfless display of leadership, Iyer did not demand the strike, allowing Shashank Singh to take charge in the final overs. Out of the remaining 18 balls, Iyer faced only two, while Shashank dominated with 16 balls, scoring an explosive 44 off 16, including six boundaries and two sixes. His late blitz ensured PBKS ended at a mammoth 243/5 in 20 overs, setting a daunting target for GT.

Despite being so close to his maiden IPL century, Iyer prioritized the team’s total over personal milestones, a move that earned him immense praise from PBKS fans. Even after the innings, Shashank Singh appreciated Shreyas Iyer for sacrificing his century and said:

Yes, it was a good cameo. But looking at Shreyas, that motivated me even more. Let me be very honest – Shreyas, from ball one, said don’t worry about my hundred! Just watching the ball and reacting to it. I try and make sure I get the boundaries. When you go at that number, it’s more likely that you’ll not get a good hit. I know the shots I can back. I focus on my strengths rather than things which I can’t do.

His 97 off 42 balls, laced with 9 sixes and 5 fours, was hailed as a true captain’s innings, putting the team’s success first. This team-first approach made Iyer’s knock even more special, proving that his debut as PBKS skipper was not just about runs but about setting the right example.

Fans Target Virat Kohli for Prioritizing Personal Milestones After Shreyas Iyer’s Selfless Knock

Shreyas Iyer’s selfless innings against Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025 has sparked a social media storm, with fans praising his sacrifice while targeting Virat Kohli for prioritizing personal records. In Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) commanding 243/5 total, Iyer smashed 97 off 42 balls but did not demand the strike in the final overs, allowing Shashank Singh (44 off 16) to accelerate and finish the innings on a high. This team-first approach earned Iyer immense appreciation, with many drawing comparisons to Kohli’s past knocks.

Fans on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram were quick to accuse Virat Kohli of slowing down near centuries, claiming that he often prioritizes personal milestones over the team’s needs. A widely discussed example came from the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Kohli was seen signaling Ravindra Jadeja to give him a single to complete his hundred during the league game against New Zealand. 

This incident fueled debates about whether he delays acceleration in crucial moments to reach personal landmarks. Another instance that resurfaced was from IPL 2019, when Kohli denied a single to Marcus Stoinis to complete his century against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). 

The decision drew sharp criticism, with many labeling him “selfish” and unwilling to sacrifice his milestone for the team’s benefit. Additionally, in the 2023 ODI World Cup, while Rohit Sharma (SR 125.94) and other top-order batters maintained strike rates over 100, Kohli played at 90.31, leading to accusations that he slowed down the innings for personal achievements.

However, Kohli’s supporters defended him, arguing that his playing style is anchored around stability and ensuring victories for his team. They pointed out that despite his slower strike rate in ODI World Cup 2023, he played a crucial role in guiding India to the final, often staying at the crease when quick wickets were falling. 

His ability to chase under pressure and absorb difficult situations has cemented his reputation as one of India’s greatest match-winners. While the debate rages on, Shreyas Iyer’s knock has reignited discussions on selflessness in cricket, with fans divided over whether team-first gameplay or individual brilliance should take precedence.