Shreyas Iyer vows comeback after PBKS's 8-wicket loss to RCB in IPL 2025 qualifier

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer expressed determination to bounce back after their eight-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 first qualifier.

PBKS were bowled out for a mere 101 runs in 14.1 overs, struggling against a challenging pitch that caused variable bounce.

"We have lost the battle, but not the war," Iyer said at the post-match presentation, emphasizing the team's resolve to improve.

He admitted the team was "befuddled" by the nature of the track but stressed the need to adapt, saying, "We got to work on our batting especially on this (kind of) wicket. In all the games, we have played here, there has been some variable bounce."

Iyer also highlighted the professional responsibility of the players, stating, "We can't give such reasons because we are professionals at the end of the day and we have to bat according to the situation and we have to live up to it."

Despite the loss, PBKS remain in contention, set to face the winner of the upcoming match in the second qualifier, keeping their IPL 2025 hopes alive.

The defeat underscores the challenges PBKS face on tricky pitches, but Iyer’s vow signals a focused effort to overcome these hurdles in the tournament's critical stages.

Shreyas Iyer vowed a strong comeback after Punjab Kings suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 first qualifier, bowled out for 101. Iyer acknowledged the challenging pitch but emphasized the team’s resolve to improve and remain in the tournament.