Title: Iyer’s popularity denies Inglis & Wadhera credit for win vs MI: Ashwin
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been filled with thrilling matches, and the Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) was no exception. PBKS emerged victorious, and in a recent interview, their spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shed light on the game-changing performances that went unnoticed.
Ashwin, who played a crucial role in PBKS’ win, opined that captain Shreyas Iyer’s popularity denied the credit that Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera deserve for the team’s victory. According to Ashwin, while Iyer’s contributions were undeniable, it was Inglis and Wadhera who played the game-changing innings.
“Inglis played a 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay,” Ashwin said. “Whenever they needed boundary, Iyer got it. But the game-changing [batters were Inglis and] Wadhera.”
Ashwin’s comments highlight the often-overlooked aspect of cricket – the unsung heroes who make significant contributions to their team’s success. In a tournament where individual performances are often touted as the primary factor in a team’s victory, Ashwin’s words serve as a reminder that teamwork is just as crucial.
PBKS’ win against MI was a testament to the team’s collective effort. The batsmen, led by Iyer, put up a respectable score, but it was the bowlers who stole the show. Ashwin’s 3/24 was instrumental in restricting MI’s scoring, while Arshdeep Singh and Sandeep Sharma chipped in with crucial wickets.
Inglis, who scored 45 off 35 balls, was the game’s top-scorer, but it was Wadhera who played the decisive innings. The young opener scored 32 off 24 balls, including three boundaries, to help PBKS take control of the match.
Ashwin’s praise for Inglis and Wadhera is a testament to his understanding of the game. As a seasoned professional, he knows that individual brilliance can only take a team so far. It is the collective effort and teamwork that ultimately leads to success.
Inglis, a 23-year-old Australian cricketer, has been making waves in the IPL with his aggressive batting style. He has scored 140 runs in four matches, with a strike rate of 144.84. Wadhera, a 20-year-old Indian cricketer, has also been impressive, scoring 85 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 134.62.
Their performances have caught the attention of many, including Ashwin, who believes that they have the potential to shine at the international level. “I will see this runaway superstar in Team India soon,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin’s comments are not just a tribute to Inglis and Wadhera’s skills but also a reflection of his own experiences in the game. As a seasoned spinner, Ashwin knows that success is not solely dependent on individual brilliance. He has seen firsthand how teamwork and strategy can lead to victory, and he is eager to see Inglis and Wadhera replicate their success at the international level.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of teamwork in cricket. While individual performances are often celebrated, it is the collective effort that ultimately leads to success. Inglis and Wadhera’s game-changing innings against MI are a testament to this fact, and Ashwin’s praise for them is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication.
