Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer said that his team lost their IPL match in the powerplay following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s strong start and early setbacks in a difficult chase of 223 at Dharamsala on Sunday.
RCB secured their playoff berth with a calm effort under pressure, while PBKS lost by 23 runs.
“Obviously, they got off to a great start and then started taking on the bowlers right after the powerplay. I think getting to 222 was a commendable performance and we weren’t able to take wickets in the bowling that much, but yeah, I think the match was lost in the powerplay,” PTI quoted Shreyas as saying after the match.
The PBKS captain bemoaned the early wickets in the chase, particularly in light of the outstanding starts Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya had given the team all season.
“We were three down and the majority of our run scorers were Prabhsimran and Priyansh. The starts they used to give us in the powerplay, obviously we couldn’t get this time and also me coming in and getting out early. Really disappointed, but commendable performance by Shashank and Stoinis and also a few others in the middle,” he said.
After RCB scored 222/4, PBKS finished at 199 for eight thanks to a 27-ball 56 from Shashank Singh and a 37 in 25 from Marcus Stoinis.
Before Punjab’s next match against the Lucknow Super Giants, Shreyas maintained his optimism despite the defeat.
“I’m always positive irrespective of the results. This is over, this is gone. Tomorrow again I’m going to see the sunrise and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
The innings was particularly pleasing, according to RCB batsman Venkatesh Iyer, who was chosen Player of the Match for his undefeated 73 off 40 balls, because it came after few opportunities this season.
“Technically it’s my second game being part of the playing XI and today’s the first time I properly got to bat. So that’s the more pleasing thing than getting a Man of the Match,” he said.
The left-hander said that batting with Virat Kohli helped him settle after a rough start and commended the RCB management.
“Obviously the mindset shift that he’s able to communicate to you. With all the legends of the game, one thing that stands out is the communication,” Venkatesh said.
Even though Punjab momentarily threatened in the closing stages, stand-in RCB captain Jitesh Sharma ensured the squad maintained control throughout the chase.
“We were not under pressure, frankly speaking. We were in control. We know what we want to do on this wicket because the batters had given very good feedback,” he said.
Rajat Patidar, the team’s regular captain, is anticipated to return for the upcoming game, according to Jitesh.
Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar emphasized the significance of Australian pace partner Josh Hazlewood and attributed his successful performance to rhythm and preparation.
“The experience he has and the skill he has make a big difference for us. We’re complementing each other with the skills I have and he has, so it’s going well so far,” Bhuvneshwar said.
The pacer noted that after months of hard work, RCB’s playoff qualification was an emotional accomplishment.
“You can see the emotion because we have been working hard all these two months and when you qualify, it’s of course an emotional moment,” he added.
