"Out-of-the-world type of innings": Shreyas Iyer puts Priyansh Arya on ‘GOAT’ list

The Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) went head-to-head with the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 22nd match of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) on Tuesday, April 8.

Punjab Kings defeated the Chennai Super Kings by 18 runs in a high-scoring match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.

The way Priyansh played was scintillating to watch - Shreyas Iyer

Batting first, PBKS posted a colossal total of 219/6 on the board, thanks to Priyansh Arya's exceptional ton and Shashank Singh's brilliant fifty. Defending the score, the PBKS bowlers did a good job and restricted CSK to 201/5.

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Shreyas Iyer labeled Priyansh Arya's knock as 'out of the world' and said it was one the greatest innings he has seen in the history of the Indian Premier League. He elaborated:

"This is going to be the template irrespective of any ground we play at. Strong hitters we have and the way Priyansh played was scintillating to watch. Out of the world type of innings.

"When I had a chat with him in the last game, he was a bit timid in his decision-making when he faced Jofra. Today he backed his instincts, he was free-flowing, that's the mindset I want everyone to have in this team. Basically was one of the top knocks I have seen in the IPL."

Also Read: "We waited for him to...": Ruturaj Gaikwad breaks silence on retiring out Devon Conway

That was a tactical call - Shreyas Iyer on Yuzvendra Chahal bowling just one over

When asked about Yuzvendra Chahal bowling just one over, Shreyas Iyer said that it was a tactical call and elaborated:

"That was a tactical call, because Dube had already played a few deliveries and Conway. With Yuzi coming in we know how destructive he can be, but I felt that the instincts was to go with the seamers. Basically we wanted pace against Dube, we delayed a bit in that but eventually it worked out."

Shreyas Iyer further said that they haven't yet played their best game and wants his teammates to be more fearless. He stated:

"We were talking right now, we haven't played our best game yet, the nerves are still there, once they get fearless on the field, we need to go back and do group catching sessions, but we won the game and we need to focus on the positives."

How did PBKS perform in the previous IPL match against CSK?

Punjab Kings (PBKS) had a poor outing against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their previous IPL clash in Dharamsala and they suffered a defeat by 28 runs

Winning the toss and bowling first in the match, the Punjab Kings bowlers troubled the CSK batting unit a lot and didn't allow them to build big partnerships.

Rahul Chahar (3/23) and Harshal Patel (3/24) were the standout bowlers for PBKS and they were provided with a great amount of support by Arshdeep Singh (2/42) and Sam Curran (1/34). PBKS eventually restricted CSK to a total of 167/9 in 20 overs.

When PBKS began their chase, they had a solid start, reaching 62/2 with 112 needed off 78 balls and eight wickets in hand. However, what followed was a shocking collapse as they lost quick wickets and were reduced to 78/7.

Things looked all but over for the PBKS after losing seven wickets, and despite a great contribution from the lower order, they only managed to register 139/9 to face a major loss at the hands of CSK.

Also Read: ‘Terrible shot’: Shreyas Iyer’s ‘wrong message to PBKS dressing room’ exposed by ex-India cricketer