Shashank Singh Applauds Impact Player Vijaykumar Vyshak's Heroics in Punjab Kings' Narrow Victory Over Gujarat Titans

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Punjab Kings kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign on a triumphant note, securing an 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

Opting to bat first, Punjab's captain Shreyas Iyer delivered a captain's knock, remaining unbeaten on 97 from just 42 balls at a blistering strike rate of 230.95. His innings, studded with 9 sixes and 5 fours, set the tone for Punjab's commanding total of 243/5 in 20 overs.

Complementing Iyer's heroics was Shashank Singh, who played a blazing cameo of 44* off 16 balls, leaving the crowd in awe.

Reflecting on the innings, Shashank lauded Iyer's leadership and the confidence he instilled.

"When skipper Iyer told me to start hitting the balls for boundaries, it gave me the confidence to play my game. He asked me to be calm and execute my cricketing shots which helped me," said Shashank at the post-match press conference.

Debutant Priyansh Arya also made a mark with a stellar 47 off 23 balls, giving Punjab a solid start. Shashank commended Arya's fearless approach.

"Arya really impressed the team in the training sessions. He is extremely fearless. It is not easy for any debutant, but the way he batted, he showed his talent to the world," he added.

Despite being on the verge of a century, Iyer prioritized the team's success over personal milestones. Shashank highlighted Iyer's selflessness.

"I did not see the scoreboard. Shreyas told me to not focus on his 100, and it took a big heart for him to say that. It's a team game at the end of the day," Shashank noted.

On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh led the attack, claiming two wickets in his four overs. However, the decisive moment came when Iyer brought in impact player Vijaykumar Vyshak. Vyshak's tight spell, conceding just 10 runs in his first two overs, shifted the momentum in Punjab's favor.

"Shreyas is a captain who works on instincts and that is why he is one of the best captains. We were getting hit for runs so even I felt it was the correct plan to give the ball to Vyshak. But planning is one thing. The way he executed the plan was commendable. There was dew on the surface and it was hard to bowl those yorkers. These were hard overs. He bowled really well. It was tremendous. In IPL, it is all about winning small moments that can turn the game. Vyshak did his job to perfection," Shashank said.

Punjab Kings' head coach Ricky Ponting also lauded Vyshak's performance.

"While sitting in the dugout, I was like they need 13 or 14 runs an over and I sent the message to Shreyas and asked what do you want to do and he straight away said, just get Vyshak out here. He will nail a couple of overs at yorkers and we will close the game, and Vyshak was the one who changed the game," Ponting explained.

Vyshak himself was elated with his performance, calling it a surreal experience.

"It's a surreal feeling when you win the game, especially when you do it for the team in that situation. It really feels good and you can go to bed with a lot of happiness. I have learnt a lot today as well and it's a great lesson for me. Though I was running around, I didn't know until we started bowling that I might be an impact player. I am really glad I got this opportunity and won it for the team," Vyshak reflected.

Punjab Kings will now gear up for their next clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1st, 2025.