Punjab kings
The Gujarat Titans, while throwing water on Lokesh Rahul’s century, on May 18, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitles not only captured the top in the points table but also qualified for the playoffs. With three consecutive wins, Gujarat Titans have 18 points in 12 matches. With the victory of Gujarat, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings also reached the playoffs. Both teams now have 17-17 points in 12 matches.
Earlier, Punjab Kings team reached close to the playoffs by defeating Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs. After this, as soon as Gujarat defeated Delhi, Punjab won the playoff ticket. Punjab, performing brilliantly under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, made it to the IPL playoff after 10 years. Earlier, the Punjab team reached the playoffs for the last time in 2014. Punjab has reached the playoffs only 3 times so far. The team first traveled to the playoffs in 2008.
Iyer has a unique record
Along with transporting Punjab Kings to the playoffs, captain Shreyas Iyer set a unique record in captaincy. Iyer has become the first captain to lead three different teams in the playoffs. Earlier in IPL, no captain could do this big act. Prior to Punjab, Iyer has also reached Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in playoffs.
He had taken Delhi Capitals to the final of IPL 2020 under his captaincy but the team failed to win the title. Last season, Kolkata’s team not only reached the playoffs under his captaincy, but also won the IPL title. However, despite making the champion, KKR did not retain Iyer and then Punjab Kings included Iyer in their team in the mega auction. Now Iyer has a great chance to make Punjab the champion. If he is successful in doing so, he can become the first captain to make 2 teams champions in the IPL. This has not been seen in the history of IPL till date.
Punjab’s eye on top-2
In IPL 2025, there are 2 matches left in the league stage of Punjab Kings. The team will take on Delhi Capitals on 24 May and then on 26 May Mumbai Indians. In both these matches, Punjab will have to finish the top-2 in the points table, winning the eye.
Latest cricket news