IPL 2025, PBKS vs RR: Shreyas Iyer Reveals Why He Was Subbed Out Against Rajasthan Royals
Punjab Kings Edge Closer to Playoffs Amid Shreyas Iyer Injury Drama
Punjab Kings inched closer to an IPL 2025 playoff spot with a hard-fought 10-run victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. However, the match took an unexpected turn when PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer was subbed out due to injury, with Harpreet Brar coming in as the impact substitute and Shashank Singh taking over the captaincy.
Post-match, Iyer revealed he had injured his forefinger during a Saturday practice session and was unsure of the severity. “I don’t know what has happened. Yesterday, while practising, I got hit. I’ll have to check with the physios,” he said during the presentation ceremony.
Despite the captain’s absence, Punjab Kings put up a strong performance, defending a total of 219. Rajasthan Royals started aggressively, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi helping the team post the fastest team fifty of IPL 2025. But their middle and lower order once again faltered under pressure.
Dhruv Jurel’s late surge brought the Royals close, but Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen held their nerve, successfully defending 30 runs in the final two overs. Reflecting on the win, Iyer praised his team’s attitude: “I was just passing on the message to keep positive body language. I’m proud of every player for showing bold intent.”
Harpreet Brar the game-changer
Left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar turned out to be the match-winner for Punjab Kings, claiming three crucial wickets in their narrow 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals. Brar dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag, halting Rajasthan’s momentum just when they looked poised to chase down the target of 219.
The victory propelled Punjab Kings to the second spot on the IPL 2025 points table. Now, if Gujarat Titans beat Delhi Capitals in their next match, PBKS, GT, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will officially secure their playoff berths.