Title: Iyer’s popularity denies Inglis & Wadhera credit for win vs MI: Ashwin
The IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) was an absolute thriller, with PBKS emerging victorious by a narrow margin. The match saw many exciting moments, and the victory was attributed to the heroics of PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer. However, PBKS spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has a different take on the matter. According to Ashwin, Iyer’s popularity has denied the credit that Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera deserve for their outstanding performances in the match.
In an interview with a leading cricket publication, Ashwin said, “Whenever they needed a boundary, Iyer got it. But the game-changing [batters were Inglis and] Wadhera. Iyer played a great innings, don’t get me wrong. But the way Inglis and Wadhera played, it was something special.” Ashwin’s words have sparked a debate among cricket fans, with many agreeing that Inglis and Wadhera were indeed the game-changers in the match.
Inglis, in particular, had a spectacular outing, scoring 40 runs off just 20 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. His 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay was a major turning point in the match, setting the tone for PBKS’ victory. Wadhera, too, played a crucial role, scoring 32 runs off 25 balls, including three boundaries and a six.
Ashwin’s comments come at a time when there is a growing trend of recognizing the contributions of lower-order batters in T20 cricket. Inglis and Wadhera are two such players who have emerged as game-changers for their teams in recent times.
Inglis, who has been playing for PBKS since the start of the tournament, has been in excellent form, scoring 240 runs in just 7 matches at an average of 40. Iyer, on the other hand, has scored 220 runs in 8 matches, averaging 28. Inglis’ aggressive batting style has been a major asset for PBKS, and his ability to play big shots has been a key factor in the team’s success.
Wadhera, too, has been impressive, scoring 160 runs in 7 matches at an average of 26. He has been a steady presence in the middle order, providing a solid platform for the top-order batsmen to build on.
Ashwin’s comments have also sparked a debate about the importance of recognizing the contributions of lower-order batters in T20 cricket. In a format where the chase is often the key, lower-order batters have emerged as game-changers, playing crucial roles in turning matches around.
In the context of the IPL, Ashwin’s comments are particularly significant, as the tournament has seen a growing trend of recognizing the contributions of lower-order batters. Players like Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and Dwayne Bravo have all emerged as game-changers for their teams, playing crucial roles in helping their teams win matches.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s comments have sparked a debate about the importance of recognizing the contributions of lower-order batters in T20 cricket. Inglis and Wadhera’s performances in the match against MI were indeed game-changing, and they deserve credit for their outstanding efforts. Iyer, too, played a great innings, but Ashwin’s words have highlighted the need to recognize the contributions of all players, regardless of their position in the batting order.
