Iyer’s Popularity Denies Inglis & Wadhera Credit for Win vs MI: Ashwin
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been a thrilling tournament, with many exciting matches and team performances. In the Qualifier 2 match, Punjab Kings (PBKS) emerged victorious against Mumbai Indians (MI), thanks to some remarkable batting from their openers, Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera. However, according to PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, it was his own heroics that stole the show, a claim that has been disputed by none other than CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
In an interview with a leading daily, Ashwin shared his thoughts on the match, stating that Iyer’s popularity has denied the credit that Inglis and Wadhera deserve for PBKS’ win. “Whenever they needed a boundary, Iyer got it. But the game-changing batters were Inglis and Wadhera,” Ashwin said. He added that Inglis played a crucial 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay, which set the tone for the rest of the match.
Ashwin’s comments are a testament to the importance of teamwork in cricket. While Iyer did play a decent innings, it was Inglis and Wadhera who laid the foundation for the match, providing a solid start to the PBKS batting innings. Inglis, in particular, was impressive, scoring 45 runs off just 30 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
The CSK spinner also praised Inglis, saying that he will soon be a star for Team India. “Will see this runaway superstar in Team India soon,” Ashwin quipped. This endorsement from a seasoned cricketer like Ashwin is significant, as it reinforces the notion that Inglis is a player to watch out for in the future.
Ashwin’s comments have also sparked a debate about the importance of team performance in cricket. While individual performances are crucial, it is often the collective effort of a team that leads to success. In this case, Inglis and Wadhera’s batting laid the foundation for Iyer’s late-order cameo, which ultimately sealed the win for PBKS.
Iyer’s response to Ashwin’s comments has been muted, with the PBKS captain simply emphasizing the importance of teamwork. In an interview with a leading daily, Iyer said, “We are a team, and we work together to achieve our goals. We don’t focus on individual performances, but on the collective effort of the team.”
Ashwin’s comments have also raised questions about the role of media in cricket. While the IPL has become a global phenomenon, the media’s focus on individual stars can sometimes overshadow the team’s performance. Ashwin’s comments are a reminder that there is more to cricket than just individual performances, and that teams are often the sum of their parts.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s comments have highlighted the importance of teamwork in cricket, and the need to recognize the contributions of all players, not just the stars. While Iyer’s popularity may have overshadowed the contributions of Inglis and Wadhera, it is clear that the PBKS win was a team effort. As cricket fans, we should celebrate the achievements of all players, and recognize the importance of teamwork in achieving success.
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