Punjab Kings showcased a striking strategy in their IPL 2025 match against the Lucknow Super Giants, thanks to captain Shreyas Iyer’s bold decision to promote Josh Inglis to the No.3 spot. This move, as revealed by head coach Ricky Ponting, aimed at capitalising on the bowling style of Mayank Yadav in Dharamsala. Inglis made the most of this opportunity, hitting Yadav for three consecutive sixes, setting the tone for a robust powerplay performance.
Inglis, with his quickfire 30 off 14 balls, helped Punjab Kings to amass an impressive 66 for 2 during the powerplay. His efforts laid a foundation for the team’s chase of 237, ending in a 37-run victory, following Lucknow Super Giants’ earlier struggle of 38 for 3. “It was actually a move that the captain came up with,” Ponting noted at the post-match press conference. “Inglis is strong against short deliveries, which Mayank tends to bowl. The move clearly worked.”
Iyer himself contributed significantly, scoring 45 off 25 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh provided a stellar start with a remarkable 91 off 48 balls. As Ponting remarked, “Having Iyer, Wadhera, and Shashank fill the middle order was crucial. Every element of our plan came together seamlessly.”
The elevation of Inglis not only surprised the opposition but also provided room for flexibility in Punjab Kings’ batting strategy. Commenting on the team’s depth, Ponting added, “With a strong lower order including Azmatullah Omarzai, our top order can play with freedom, which they did exceptionally well today.”
On the flip side, there were concerns about Mayank Yadav’s performance. Ambati Rayudu and Katey Martin have shared their thoughts on his struggle to regain form post-injury, with Rayudu suggesting, “Maybe Mayank Yadav isn’t ready yet.”
Prabhsimran’s recent form has been a revelation, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award. He is Punjab Kings’ top scorer with 437 runs in 11 innings this season. Partnering with Priyansh Arya, who has also made waves with 347 runs, the duo have been pivotal at the top order. Ponting praised them both, saying, “They’ve consistently provided us with strong starts. I challenged them to push for a century, and their response has been superb.”
As for Punjab Kings, this victory sees them climb to No.2 on the points table, underscoring the efficacy of Iyer’s strategic gamble and the overall team effort.
