Player of the Match and winning captain Shreyas Iyer said he was "focusing on his breathing" to stay calm during his majestic unbeaten 87 that helped Punjab Kings knock out Mumbai Indians with a five-wicket Qualifier 2 victory on Sunday (June 1, 2025). Iyer's knock in Ahmedabad was instrumental in taking PBKS to the Indian Premier League 2025 final, where they will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Tuesday (June 3).
"I love such big occasions and I always say to myself and my colleagues that the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are and you'll get the right results. Today I was focusing a lot on my breathing," Iyer said at the post-match presentation when asked about how he stayed calm throughout his innings.
On Punjab's plan for the chase, the 30-year-old added: "All players need to be assertive and show the intent from ball one. They weren't able to capitalise on their starts but the intent was stupendous. I also went out there and needed to get set."
He further said that his team just threw the imagination and recovery "out in the bin" after the Qualifier 1 loss to RCB. "One match cannot define us as a team," he asserted.
On how he handles the uncapped players in the side, Iyer said, "I just let them be. I don't ask too much of them. I love the fearlessness they bring to the table and the ideas they share. Even if they haven't got that much experience I feel they have that brave nature and in such big occasions, it's important they need to gain more experience."
He also spoke about the PBKS team management, stating that he was "very comfortable around" the management and that everyone around him and the environment was very positive. "I am just staying in the moment, cherish the situation, go to the dressing room and celebrate with teammates getting into the final.
"But in my mind the job was only half-done so I don't want to think too much about the final. Just go recover, get a massage and get ready for the game."
The 30-year-old Iyer steered Punjab into the IPL final for the first time in 11 years. The league-phase leaders will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the summit clash, meaning we will have a first-time winner this season.
