Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, playing his first game for the franchise, continued his rich vein of form, blasting an unbeaten 97 off just 42 deliveries against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Even though the right-handed batter missed out on a well-deserved maiden IPL hundred, his knock, studded with five fours and nine sixes, paved the way for Punjab’s mammoth first innings total in a high-scoring encounter on a placid wicket.

© instagram/IPLt20

Not only with his bat, Iyer also led by example as he told his teammate Shashank Singh not to worry about his milestone and to try to clobber as many boundaries as he could.

“Let me be very honest - from ball one, Shreyas said, 'don't worry about my hundred! Just watching the ball and reacting to it,” Shashank told Star Sports in the innings break.

Shreyas Iyer was only a hit away from what would have been his maiden IPL hundred, but he couldn’t get back on the strike. In fact, he faced only four balls between the 17th and 20th over, scoring seven runs.

© instagram/IPLt20

Centuries in T20 cricket don’t come easily, but Iyer didn’t ask his partner to put him back on strike so that he could complete his landmark.

“I didn't look at the scoreboard. After the first ball I hit, glanced at it and saw that Shreyas was on 97. I didn't say anything. He only came and said, 'Shashank, don't worry about my 100'. Obviously, I was going to ask, 'Should I give you a single or something but it takes a lot of heart and courage. 100s don't come easy in IPL,” Shashank told reporters after the match.

“The way that Shreyas told me, 'Shashank, go and hit every ball for a boundary or six'. That gave me even more confidence. It's a team game, but it's difficult to be selfless at that time, Shreyas was one. I have known him for the past 10-15 years, and he is still the same. By God's grace, we had a good finish,” he added.

Shreyas Iyer’s selfish approach has made him a fan favourite, with many lauding him for being a true leader who always prioritises the team over his personal glory.

A selfless player, he always prioritizes the team over himself. He works hard behind the scenes, sacrifices personal recognition, and supports his teammates with encouragement and decisive actions. Though often unnoticed, his efforts are crucial to the team's success. pic.twitter.com/Yb46w2Dkgj

— Sarvesh Yadav (@Savy23_09) March 25, 2025

This is what true leadership looks like. Shreyas Iyer shows why he’s the perfect captain for PBKS putting the team first and bringing out the best in players like Shashank Singh. That 243/5 total is a statement! 💥

— Anoop Sharma (नासमझ बेचारा 🤔🙃) (@NASAMAJHBECHARA) March 25, 2025

Great team spirit from Shreyas Iyer! Putting the team first over personal milestone is what makes a true leader,
Shashank Singh played a brilliant knock too.

— Manzar B (@ManzarBwrites) March 25, 2025

Shreyas Iyer’s selflessness shines! Prioritizing the team over his hundred shows true leadership and sportsmanship in high-pressure IPL moments.

— baisa hukum (@bejaan09) March 26, 2025

“A selfless player, he always prioritizes the team over himself. He works hard behind the scenes, sacrifices personal recognition, and supports his teammates with encouragement and decisive actions. Though often unnoticed, his efforts are crucial to the team's success,” wrote one user.

“This is what true leadership looks like. Shreyas Iyer shows why he’s the perfect captain for PBKS putting the team first and bringing out the best in players like Shashank Singh. That 243/5 total is a statement!” commented another.

Under Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings have made a great start to their new IPL 2025 campaign. With one win under their belt, they would be hoping to first qualify for the playoffs and then ultimately aim to lay their hands on their maiden trophy.