Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer produced a sensational display of power-hitting in his captaincy debut for the franchise, smashing an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

His blistering knock, laced with nine towering sixes and five boundaries, propelled Punjab to a mammoth 243/5 in their first match of IPL 2025.

Despite falling just three runs short of what would have been a memorable century, Iyer's innings was a statement of intent. The Indian batter, often questioned for his game against short-pitched deliveries, showcased a remarkable transformation, dominating both spinners and pacers with equal authority.

According to The Cricbuzz Analyst, Iyer, who averaged just 18.3 against pull and hook shots until the end of 2024, now averages an astonishing 88 while playing these shots at a strike rate of 226 in 2025 - a testament to his evolution.

Leading from the front, Iyer also became the first player in IPL history to register 90+ scores on captaincy debut for two different franchises. In 2018, he had scored 93 as captain for Delhi Capitals against Kolkata Knight Riders. Now with Punjab Kings, he has etched his name in the record books once again. Furthermore, Iyer has joined an elite list of players - including Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Steve Smith, and Ajinkya Rahane - who have captained three different IPL franchises.

The foundation for Punjab's high-scoring innings was laid by debutant Priyansh Arya, who blazed his way to a 23-ball 47, featuring seven boundaries and two sixes. His aggressive start set the perfect platform for Iyer and the middle order to capitalise. Marcus Stoinis chipped in with a handy 20 before falling to left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, who was the standout bowler for GT with figures of 3/30 in his four overs.

The final flourish for Punjab came courtesy of Shashank Singh, who played a scintillating cameo towards the end. Walking in during the 16th over, Shashank smashed 44 off just 16 balls, including four boundaries in the last over against Mohammed Siraj. After the match, Shashank credited his captain's innings for inspiring his aggressive approach: "Yes, it was a good cameo. But looking at Shreyas, that motivated me even more. Let me be very honest - Shreyas, from ball one, said don't worry about my hundred! Just watching the ball and reacting to it. I try and make sure I get the boundaries."

While Punjab's batters dominated, Gujarat Titans' bowlers had a tough time containing the run flow, despite Sai Kishore's valiant efforts. Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada also picked up a wicket each but couldn't prevent Punjab from posting their highest-ever total against GT.

The Titans now face a daunting target of 244 to kickstart their season with a win, as Iyer's near-century and Punjab Kings' explosive batting have set the stage for a thrilling chase in Ahmedabad.