VIDEO | Hopes lauds “fantastic leader” Shreyas Iyer after PBKS beats MI in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2

Shreyas Iyer’s 41-ball 87 steered Punjab Kings to a thrilling five-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 on Sunday. With this, Shreyas made history as the first captain to lead three different franchises to the IPL final.

Punjab’s assistant coach James Hopes was full of praise for Shreyas’ match-winning knock and calm leadership.

“He batted really beautifully, it was pure class… he knows his role, he just flicked the switch and took the game away from Mumbai,” Hopes said in the post match press conference.

“He remains really calm, doesn’t get frustrated quickly and knows his job. He is a fantastic skipper to have”, he added.

Chasing a daunting target of 204, Punjab Kings started strong with Josh Inglis hammering 38 off 21 balls, including a brutal 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah. Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29) then joined forces with Iyer for a match-defining 84-run stand in just 7.5 overs.

Shreyas, with eight towering sixes, sealed the chase with six balls to spare in a composed yet explosive captain’s knock that dismantled Mumbai’s bowling plans.

Having previously led Delhi Capitals to their first final in 2020 and guided Kolkata Knight Riders to their third title in 2024, Shreyas now has Punjab poised for its maiden championship. It will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Tuesday, June 3 — guaranteeing IPL 2025 will crown a brand-new champion.