Iyer’s Popularity Denies Inglis & Wadhera Credit for Win vs MI: Ashwin
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) has been nothing short of thrilling, with teams giving it their all to qualify for the playoffs. In the Qualifier 2 match, Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off a stunning victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), and the credit for this win has been a topic of discussion among cricket enthusiasts. While some have praised PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer for his leadership and batting skills, others believe that Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera were the game-changers. CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently weighed in on this debate, stating that Iyer’s popularity has denied the credit that Inglis and Wadhera deserve.
In an interview published by Hindustan Times, Ashwin shared his thoughts on the PBKS win. “Whenever they needed a boundary, Iyer got it. But the game-changing batters were Inglis and Wadhera,” he said. Ashwin’s words are significant, as they highlight the crucial contributions made by Inglis and Wadhera in the match. According to Ashwin, Inglis played a particularly crucial role, as he hit a 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay. This display of batting prowess by Inglis set the tone for the PBKS innings, allowing them to post a competitive total.
Ashwin’s comments are a refreshing change from the usual praise heaped on Iyer, who has been instrumental in PBKS’ success this season. While Iyer’s leadership and batting skills are undeniable, Ashwin’s words suggest that Inglis and Wadhera were the true game-changers in the match. Their contributions went beyond mere boundary hits, as they played with a sense of responsibility and maturity that was evident in their batting.
Inglis, in particular, has been impressive in the IPL this season. His ability to adapt to different situations and play according to the demands of the game has been a key factor in PBKS’ success. His 20-run over against Bumrah, as mentioned by Ashwin, was a turning point in the match, as it allowed PBKS to gain momentum and post a strong total.
Wadhera, on the other hand, has been a revelation in the middle order. His ability to play both attacking and defensive shots has been crucial in PBKS’ success, as he has been able to rotate the strike effectively and pick up crucial boundaries. His partnership with Inglis was particularly impressive, as they added 50 runs in quick time to propel PBKS towards a competitive total.
Ashwin’s comments are not only a testament to Inglis and Wadhera’s skills but also a reminder that cricket is a team sport. While Iyer’s leadership and batting skills are essential, it is the contributions of players like Inglis and Wadhera that often go unnoticed. Ashwin’s words are a refreshing change from the usual narrative, as they highlight the importance of teamwork and individual contributions in cricket.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s comments suggest that Inglis and Wadhera were the true game-changers in PBKS’ win against MI in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2. Their contributions went beyond mere boundary hits, as they played with a sense of responsibility and maturity that was evident in their batting. While Iyer’s leadership and batting skills are undeniable, Ashwin’s words are a reminder that cricket is a team sport, and individual contributions are often overlooked in the pursuit of glory.
