Iyer’s Popularity Denies Inglis & Wadhera Credit for Win vs MI: Ashwin
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been a thrilling ride, with several matches going down to the wire. One such match was the Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), which saw PBKS emerge victorious. In the aftermath of the match, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer stole the limelight, with many crediting him for the win. However, CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has a different opinion, stating that Iyer’s popularity denied the credit that Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera deserve for the win.
In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Ashwin opined that while Iyer did play a crucial role in the match, Inglis and Wadhera were the ones who changed the game for PBKS. “Whenever they needed a boundary, Iyer got it. But the game-changing [batters were Inglis and] Wadhera,” Ashwin said. “Inglis played a 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay, which was a huge turning point in the match.”
Ashwin’s comments are not surprising, given his vast experience in the IPL. He knows that sometimes, players who make significant contributions to the team’s success can go unnoticed due to external factors. In this case, Iyer’s popularity as a captain and a player may have led to him receiving more attention than he deserved.
Inglis, in particular, played a crucial role in the match, scoring 43 runs off just 27 balls. His aggressive approach helped PBKS get off to a strong start, and his partnership with Wadhera (31 off 23 balls) set the tone for the rest of the match. While Iyer did score a half-century, his innings was built on the back of the strong foundation laid by Inglis and Wadhera.
Ashwin’s comments are not only a testament to his cricketing acumen but also a reminder that credit should be given where it is due. In a tournament like the IPL, where every match is intense and competitive, it is easy for players to get lost in the shuffle. But Ashwin’s words serve as a reminder that every player, regardless of their popularity, deserves recognition for their contributions to the team’s success.
It is also worth noting that Ashwin’s comments may have been motivated by his desire to see Inglis and Wadhera get recognized for their performances. Both players have been impressive in the tournament, and Ashwin has been a vocal supporter of their abilities. In the post-match interview, he even predicted that Inglis would soon become a “runaway superstar” for Team India.
Ashwin’s words are not only a testament to his cricketing expertise but also a reminder of the importance of recognizing individual contributions to a team’s success. In a tournament like the IPL, where every match is intense and competitive, it is easy for players to get lost in the shuffle. But Ashwin’s comments serve as a reminder that every player, regardless of their popularity, deserves recognition for their contributions to the team’s success.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s comments are a timely reminder that credit should be given where it is due. While Iyer may have played a crucial role in PBKS’ win, Inglis and Wadhera were the ones who changed the game for the team. As the IPL 2025 continues, it is essential that we recognize the contributions of all players, regardless of their popularity. Only then can we truly appreciate the brilliance of the game.
