Qualifier 1 saw the unexpected overthrow of Punjab Kings by Royal Challengers Bengaluru by eight wickets at Mullanpur on Thursday. Rajat Patidar almost single-handedly ensured that RCB restricted PBKS to an unbelievably low total of 102 runs and comfortably chased down the target in just 10 overs. This win allowed RCB to proceed to the final while PBKS will face Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Sunday at Ahmedabad.
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But the journey really has been inspirational for PBKS: reaching the playoffs after ten long years. There was a daunting task for captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, and they did well. Hats off to all the others, too. Former India captain Anjum Chopra praised PBKS for their overall display half-jokingly when she was speaking with NDTV.
According to Anjum, it is not one factor but a combined series of circumstances that has created this PBKS success, including Shreyas’ leadership. We have been keenly monitoring Punjab Kings since they made it to the playoffs after 11 years. They competed strongly all season, not just in a few matches,” she further explained. Punjab Kings’ all-round performance has caught everyone’s attention. Shreyas and Ponting would agree that it wasn’t just one individual that made it happen. Yes, Shreyas played a major part, but he wouldn’t claim all the credit.
With PBKS entering the IPL playoffs, lots of fans have spoken against the KKR for not retaining Shreyas and crediting him with their 2024 title win. Anjum said that whatever the retention is, a specific player has to deliver, which is exactly what Shreyas did for PBKS.
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Anjum further said that legally it is between the franchise and the player. If KKR didn’t retain him and he moved on, that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t succeed. KKR had the option to keep him, and they chose not to. But in essence, Shreyas is a player. Whether he’s with KKR or PBKS, his job is to perform and help the team win. He’s just focused on playing, no matter the jersey he’s wearing.
