Iyer’s popularity denies Inglis & Wadhera credit for win vs MI: Ashwin
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been a thrilling ride for fans, with unexpected twists and turns in every match. The Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) was no exception. PBKS won the match by a narrow margin, and the heroics of Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera were instrumental in their victory. However, it seems that the credit for the win went to the wrong person, according to none other than PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer.
In a recent interview, CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his disappointment at the lack of recognition given to Inglis and Wadhera for their outstanding performances in the match. Ashwin believes that Iyer’s popularity denied the credit that Inglis and Wadhera deserve, stating that “Whenever they needed boundary, Iyer got it. But the game-changing [batters were Inglis and] Wadhera.”
Ashwin’s comments come as no surprise, given the impressive display by Inglis and Wadhera. Inglis, in particular, played a crucial role in the match, scoring 45 runs off 25 balls, including a 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay. His aggressive batting style and ability to rotate the strike effectively allowed PBKS to build a strong foundation, which ultimately proved to be the turning point in the match.
Wadhera, too, played a vital role, scoring 32 runs off 17 balls, including a crucial six off Bumrah in the 18th over. His batting display, coupled with Inglis’s, helped PBKS to post a challenging total of 160 runs, which ultimately proved to be beyond MI’s reach.
Ashwin’s comments are not only a testament to the impressive performances of Inglis and Wadhera but also highlight the importance of recognizing individual contributions to a team’s success. In a league where individual performances are often measured by the number of runs scored or wickets taken, it is easy to overlook the unsung heroes who play a crucial role in a team’s victory.
Iyer’s popularity, as Ashwin mentioned, may have been a factor in denying credit to Inglis and Wadhera. Iyer, who has been a consistent performer for PBKS, has earned a reputation as a reliable batsman and leader. His popularity, however, should not come at the expense of recognizing the contributions of other players who have played a crucial role in the team’s success.
Ashwin’s comments are a reminder that cricket is a team sport, and individual performances are often the product of a team’s collective effort. It is essential to recognize the contributions of every player, regardless of their popularity or reputation. By doing so, we can ensure that the game is celebrated for its true essence – the thrill of competition, the joy of victory, and the agony of defeat.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s comments highlight the importance of recognizing individual contributions to a team’s success. While Iyer may have played a crucial role in PBKS’s victory, it is essential to acknowledge the outstanding performances of Inglis and Wadhera, who were instrumental in the team’s win. By doing so, we can ensure that the game is celebrated for its true essence – the thrill of competition, the joy of victory, and the agony of defeat.
