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, and Qualifier 2 was no exception. Punjab Kings (PBKS) emerged victorious against Mumbai Indians (MI) in a nail-biting match, with captain Shreyas Iyer playing a crucial role. However, according to PBKS spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Iyer’s popularity has overshadowed the contributions of two other players who were instrumental in the team’s win.
Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera were the game-changers for PBKS, according to Ashwin, who believes that their performances were overlooked due to Iyer’s prominent role. “Whenever they needed a boundary, Iyer got it. But the game-changing [batters were Inglis and] Wadhera,” Ashwin was quoted as saying in an interview.
Ashwin’s statement is not without merit. Inglis, in particular, played a crucial 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay, which set the tone for PBKS’ innings. Wadhera, on the other hand, chipped in with a valuable 25 runs off 15 balls to help his team reach a competitive total.
Iyer, of course, had a decent outing as well, scoring 35 runs off 25 balls. However, Ashwin’s point is that his contributions were somewhat expected, given his status as the team’s captain and a seasoned player. Inglis and Wadhera, on the other hand, were relatively unknown quantities, making their performances all the more impressive.
Ashwin’s comments are a testament to the often-overlooked value of lower-order batsmen in T20 cricket. Inglis and Wadhera may not have been the most prominent players on the PBKS roster, but they played crucial roles in their team’s win. Their ability to adapt to different situations and play according to the demands of the game is a hallmark of successful T20 teams.
Moreover, Ashwin’s praise for Inglis and Wadhera is not just a nod to their skills as batsmen. It’s also a recognition of their ability to perform under pressure, which is a key quality in T20 cricket. The format is known for its fast-paced nature, with teams often facing intense pressure to chase down targets or defend totals.
Inglis, in particular, has shown that he has the mental toughness to handle the pressure of big games. His 20-run over against Bumrah was a masterclass in shot selection and temperament, and it set the tone for PBKS’ innings. Wadhera, on the other hand, showed that he can adapt to different situations, playing a cautious innings against the MI bowlers before upping the ante in the death overs.
Ashwin’s comments are also a reminder that credit should not always go to the most prominent players on a team. Inglis and Wadhera may not have been the stars of the show, but they played crucial roles in PBKS’ win. Their contributions should not be overlooked, and Ashwin’s praise is a testament to the importance of recognizing the value of all players on a team.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s comments are a refreshing change in the world of cricket, where players often tend to hog the limelight. Inglis and Wadhera may not have been the most prominent players on the PBKS roster, but they played crucial roles in their team’s win. Their performances were a testament to their skills and mental toughness, and Ashwin’s praise is a reminder that credit should not always go to the most prominent players on a team.
