Title: Iyer’s popularity denies Inglis & Wadhera credit for win vs MI: Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, the experienced spinner of Chennai Super Kings, has sparked a controversy by stating that PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer’s popularity has denied the credit that Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera deserve for Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) win against Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2. Ashwin’s comments have added fuel to the debate about who was the actual game-changer in PBKS’ thrilling victory.
In an interview, Ashwin expressed his disappointment that Inglis and Wadhera, who played crucial roles in PBKS’ win, were overshadowed by Iyer’s heroics. “Whenever they needed a boundary, Iyer got it. But the game-changing [batters were Inglis and] Wadhera,” Ashwin said. He further added, “Inglis played a 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay.”
Ashwin’s criticism of Iyer’s narrative is not unwarranted. While Iyer did score 40 runs off 35 balls, Inglis and Wadhera were the real heroes for PBKS. Inglis, in particular, played a brilliant innings, scoring 32 runs off 22 balls, including three sixes. His 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay set the tone for PBKS’ chase.
Wadhera, on the other hand, scored 25 runs off 20 balls, including a crucial six in the 18th over that helped PBKS seal the match. His innings was a perfect blend of aggression and caution, and he played a vital role in taking PBKS over the line.
Ashwin’s criticism of Iyer is not new. In the past, the spinner has been vocal about his dislike for the way some players hog the limelight, even if it’s not deserved. In this case, Ashwin is correct in saying that Inglis and Wadhera were the game-changers, and Iyer’s contribution, while important, was not the most significant.
Inglis, in particular, has been a revelation for PBKS this season. The young batter has scored 300 runs in 13 matches at an average of 37.50, and his ability to play aggressively has been a major plus for PBKS. Wadhera, too, has been impressive, scoring 200 runs in 12 matches at an average of 22.22.
Ashwin’s comments have also sparked a debate about how the media and fans often focus too much on the captain’s performance, even if it’s not the most important one. While Iyer is a talented batter, his role in PBKS’ win against MI was not as crucial as that of Inglis and Wadhera.
In the end, Ashwin’s criticism of Iyer’s narrative is a reminder that there are more than one heroes in a team’s victory. Inglis and Wadhera may not have got the credit they deserve, but Ashwin’s comments have brought their contributions to the fore. As Ashwin said, “Will see this runaway superstar in Team India soon.”
