Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer has garnered widespread reward following his unbeaten 97 in PBKS’ IPL 2025 opener in opposition to Gujarat Titans (GT). Whereas his knock — his highest rating within the event — showcased his distinctive batting prowess, what stood out was his selfless angle, a high quality that has been an indicator of his profession.
Within the ultimate over, Shreyas had the possibility to succeed in his maiden IPL century, however as a substitute, he urged Shashank Singh to focus solely on maximising the crew’s complete quite than serving to him attain the milestone. His gesture epitomised team-first management, incomes admiration from followers and former cricketers alike.
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This high quality is just not new for Shreyas, as Mumbai cricketer Siddhesh Lad recalled an anecdote from the 2014/15 Ranji Trophy season, when Shreyas was in his debut first-class season.
“Shreyas has immense self-confidence. Mumbai had been dealing with Bengal at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens in a Ranji Trophy match again within the 2014/15 season of the event, which marked Shreyas’ maiden first-class season. The Bengal bowling assault was fairly spectacular and formidable in nature. In such a state of affairs, the crew wanted a cricketer to step up and bat on the quantity three place. Shreyas volunteered to take up the duty regardless of being unfamiliar with the position, having batted on the quantity 4 and quantity 5 positions until that time,” Lad mentioned in an unique interplay with TimesofIndia.com.

“Shreyas went out and smashed 153 runs off 175 balls, showcasing initiative and need to help the crew in one of the best ways potential no matter the sternest of circumstances,” he added.
Former Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Aditya Tare, who performed alongside Shreyas for Mumbai, echoed comparable sentiments.
“Shreyas has all the time been a cricketer who’s aggressive in his method and wanting to ship the products. I distinctly keep in mind a Ranji Trophy match in opposition to Madhya Pradesh the place I used to be somewhat tense in regards to the eventual goal. Shreyas got here to me and mentioned, ‘Don’t be concerned. We are going to chase down no matter is critical to tug off a win’,” Tare recalled.
Shreyas’ childhood coach Pravin Amre emphasised that his method has all the time been certainly one of intent and flexibility, making him a perfect T20 cricketer. “T20 cricket is anyway a format which has all the time suited him, contemplating his method which is filled with intent,” mentioned Amre.

A supply near Shreyas revealed that his non-selection within the BCCI central contracts record has solely fueled his willpower.
“Shreyas has labored on his gameplay whereas dealing with quick deliveries and improved even additional as an total cricketer. He practices for only one or two hours however these hours are very effectively utilised,” revealed the supply.