Ex-India captain taunts KKR, hails Shreyas Iyer’s success with PBKS ahead of Qualifier 2

Former India captain Anjum Chopra has lauded Punjab Kings (PBKS) for their all-round performance throughout the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Chopra said that their success wasn’t due to just one player but a collective team effort, with Shreyas Iyer’s leadership playing a significant role.

Punjab Kings suffered an eight-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur on Thursday. The Rajat Patidar-led team dismissed PBKS for 102 and chased the target in just 10 overs. Punjab are set to take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 on Sunday in Ahmedabad.

Punjab Kings Reached the Playoffs After 11 Years - Anjum Chopra

Anjum Chopra pointed out that the Punjab Kings reached the playoffs after an 11-year gap. She stated that they didn’t suffer any one-sided defeats or struggle during the league stage.

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"We are focusing on Punjab Kings is because they reached the playoffs after 11 years. The kind of the game they have played is that they shone through the entire season. It's not like that they lost one-sided matches or they had a very poor in the league stage," Anjum told NDTV.

Punjab Kings had a remarkable IPL 2025 season, making it to the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, the team overcame challenges and secured their spot among the top contenders.

Shreyas Iyer Will Never Say, ‘It Is Because of Me’ - Anjum Chopra

Chopra said that the Punjab Kings have attracted attention because of their all-round performance. She added that Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting acknowledge that the team’s success isn’t due to just one player.

"So, PBKS as a franchise have caught everyone's attention because of their all-round play. Even Shreyas or Ponting would say the same that it was not just one man's contribution, which led to team's success. Yes, Shreyas Iyer as a captain, as a batter, has played a massive role and is definitely worth a mention but if you ask him, he will never say, 'It is because of me'," she added.

KKR Had a Chance to Retain but They Didn't - Anjum Chopra

Anjum Chopra opened up about the criticism directed at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after Punjab Kings reached the playoffs, with many fans blaming KKR for not retaining Shreyas Iyer and failing to give credit to his role in their 2024 title win.

Chopra pointed out that retention decisions are between the franchise and the player. She highlighted that Shreyas’s job is to contribute to his team’s success, regardless of which jersey he wears.

"It is between the franchise and the player. If they didn't retain him and he went somewhere else, then it doesn't mean that Shreyas has no right to succeed in his career. It is absolutely unfair. KKR had a chance to retain but they didn't, so he went somewhere else," said Anjum.

"But, Shreyas is still a player. Whether he plays for KKR or PBKS, his job is only to perform and score runs. Eventually, if his team is also doing well, then as a player and as captain it's his job. He is just playing for his team, doesn't matter which jersey he is wearing," she added.

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