The Punjab Kings have become the first team to confirm their top 2 spot in the 2025 season of the IPL. They comprehensively defeated the mighty Mumbai Indians to secure their place in Qualifier 1. One man who knew it all from the beginning, Shashank Singh, addressed the press conference after their victory over the five-time champions.
While answering questions in the press conference, Singh said that after the auction, the group had manifested that they would finish in the top 2 positions. He stated that playing under PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer was the best thing that had happened to him. The talented finisher further added that Iyer gave everyone the freedom to express themselves.
The 33-year-old batter further added that the captain had developed a culture in the team to love and take care of each other. When asked about the status of Yuzvendra Chahal in the team, he said that the role of the veteran spinner has been made pretty clear by Ricky Ponting and Iyer. Singh stated that from their most senior player to their bus driver, they have given the same respect to everyone.
“Playing under Shreyas Iyer is one of the best things that has happened to me. He gives freedom to everyone, he’s developed a culture in Punjab Kings side to love and care for each other. after the auction, we manifested it on our WhatsApp group to finish in Top 2 first and then win the IPL”.
Shashank Singh in the post-match press conference
Talking about the match itself, Punjab invited Mumbai to bat first, and the latter never looked comfortable. Thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s half-century, they managed to post a total of 185 runs. However, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, no other bowler had an answer to PBKS’ relentless attack with the bat. They chased down the target with 9 balls to spare and jumped to the top of the table.
Punjab Kings will play their match against either Gujarat Titans or Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Although PBKS won their last match and confirmed their top 2 spot, it is still not confirmed which team they will face in Qualifier 1. With MI’s chances now completely crushed, it all comes down to the last match of the league stage. RCB will play against the already eliminated Lucknow Super Giants.
If RCB wins against Rishabh Pant’s side, they will face PBKS in Qualifier 1. However, if they lose, then GT will reclaim their position in the top 2. A piece of good news for the Bengaluru side is that their best bowler, Josh Hazlewood, is back and fit. However, two of their players, Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi, have already left the camp due to national duties.
Tim Seifert and Blessing Muzarabani have joined the RCB camp as their replacements. On the other hand, Lucknow won their last match against GT thanks to Mitchell Marsh’s explosive century. Nicholas Pooran has also found his form again by hitting a fifty in the last match. It will be interesting to see who has the upper hand in the match and whether RCB can confirm their spot in the top 2 or not.