After producing one of the finest innings of his IPL career in Qualifier 2 against the Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer remains grounded, insisting the “job is only half done” as he sets his sights on a second consecutive IPL title as skipper when his team will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final on June 3.
Chasing 204 against a formidable MI bowling line-up, Iyer led from the front with a sensational unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls, laced with eight sixes and five fours. Coming in at a precarious 55/2, the PBKS skipper took his time to settle before launching a calculated assault that steered his side to a crucial five-wicket win — their first IPL final appearance since 2014.
Following a heavy defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1, where a batting collapse cost PBKS dearly, the pressure was firmly on Iyer. But he responded with composure and class.
“I love big occasions. I always tell myself and my teammates that the bigger the stage, the calmer you need to be — that’s when you get the best out of yourself,” Iyer said at the post-match presentation. “Today, I focused more on my breathing than anything else. It was about staying present, enjoying the moment. I want to go and celebrate with the boys, but in my mind, the job’s only half done.”
Prior to the tournament, Iyer had spoken of his desire to end PBKS’s long wait for silverware. Now, with the final just one step away, he stands on the brink of turning that vision into reality.
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz