Shreyas Iyer has become the catalyst for Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) incredible comeback in IPL 2025. Ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium on June 1, fans and experts alike have applauded Iyer’s composed but commanding leadership. The 30-year-old, a Champions Trophy winner, has taught a side that had not reached the playoffs in 10 seasons discipline and belief in themselves. His batting performances and heady decision-making have played a significant role in what has been the best season for PBKS in ages.

In a recently aired Star Sports video, several of PBKS’s young players recalled Iyer’s leadership and how he has cultivated a winning environment for the franchise. Leading wicket-taker Arshdeep Singh revealed how Iyer gives his team complete backing and lets them play without any baggage. “I’ve played under Iyer in the Duleep Trophy, and he was a great leader. He doesn’t give strict instructions; he just tells us to trust ourselves and what we are capable of. He creates a very selfless team environment, and that is why we all want to give our best for him.” Arshdeep’s sentiments were echoed by other young stars, emphasizing the unifying effect Iyer has had on the squad.

Prabhsimran Singh, who opened the batting alongside Iyer, also spoke about the instincts and fearlessness of the Skipper. “He talks about trusting your instincts all the time. If you have to second-guess a shot, don't hit it. But if you are confident, then go for it," Prabhsimran said. “He is batting like a world number one - clean hitting, smart decisions, and match-finishing innings. He gets us to play with freedom and clarity." The message from the PBKS young core definitively notes Shreyas Iyer's captaincy has changed their perspective. 

Shreyas Iyer on the verge of making IPL history

In the last IPL season, Shreyas Iyer led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title, demonstrating he is made of captaincy steel, and now leading PBKS, he is on the brink of making history. A win in IPL 2025 will make Iyer the third captain to win two consecutive IPL titles and the only captain to do so with two franchises, marking him a bona fide leader in IPL history.

Watch the video here

The PBKS squad throws full support behind skipper #ShreyasIyer as they gear up for a high-stakes clash against MI, with a spot in the final vs RCB on the line 🤯

Will PBKS lift their first IPL trophy under Iyer’s leadership? 🤔#IPLPlayoffs 👉 QUALIFIER 2 | #PBKSvMI | SUN, 1st… pic.twitter.com/9KWFOwQUs6

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 1, 2025

Also Read: WATCH: Nigerians replicate Rishabh Pant's cartwheel celebration against RCB in IPL 2025

Iyer has had players rallying and believing in one another in a way we have never witnessed before. His strategic acumen and fearless batting have not only earned him the trust of PBKS players but also the adoration of fans, who see him as the driving force behind the team’s remarkable turnaround this season.

On Monday evening (May 26), the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians (PBKS vs MI) match will be played in the 69th game of the IPL 2025 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. They will face each other for the first time this season. Here, we are going through the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains choices for the PBKS vs MI match. 

IPL 2025, Match 69: PBKS vs MI Probable XIs

Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI: Prabhsimran Singh/Praveen Dubey (Impact Players Sub), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Josh Inglis, Azmatullah Omarzai/Kyle Jamieson, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar

Mumbai Indians Predicted Playing XI: Rohit Sharma/Karn Sharma (Impact Players), Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Will Jacks, Hardik Pandya (Captain), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

See Also: IPL 2025: PBKS vs MI Match 69 - A Head to Head breakdown

IPL 2025, Match 69: PBKS vs MI Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Dream11 Captain choices

Jasprit Bumrah: Since his return to the IPL 2025, Jasprit Bumrah has quickly picked up his familiar form with the ball. He is the second most wicket-taker for MI this season with 16 wickets in nine games. He recorded at least two wickets in their last four games, including one four-wicket haul. 

Shreyas Iyer: PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer is their leading run-scorer in this IPL season with 488 runs in 13 innings, with an average of 48.80 and a strike rate of 172.43. He has recorded five half-centuries this season. His last five innings' scores were 25*, 72, 45, 30, and 53 runs, respectively. 

Suryakumar Yadav: MI star Suryakumar Yadav is the third leading run-scorer in the IPL 2025 with 583 runs in 13 innings with an average of 72.87 and a strike rate of 170.46, including four half-centuries. His last six innings' scores were 68*, 40*, 54, 48*, 35, and 73*, respectively.  

Top 3 Dream11 Vice-captain choices

Prabhsimran Singh: PBKS opener Prabhsimran Singh has scored 486 runs in 13 innings with an average of 37.38 and a strike rate of 170.52, including four half-centuries. Before the IPL 2025 suspension, Singh recorded three consecutive 50+ scores.

Trent Boult: MI left-arm pacer Trent Boult is the leading wicket-taker for his team this IPL season with 19 wickets in 13 games. In their last five matches, Boult picked up at least three wickets in the first three straight games. 

Harpreet Brar: PBKS pacer Harpreet Brar has lately shone, as he has taken nine wickets in five innings. In his last two matches, Brar took at least two wickets in each game. 

Shreyas Iyer, in unfortunate circumstances, injured the index finger of his hand while practising for the game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur. During the match, Iyer did bat but not at his usual number. The right hand batter came further down, looked down and out, and didn't have the captain's armband too while his side took the field in the second innings. Instead, he was substituted, and Shashank Singh led the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in his absence. However, there has been no confirmation yet from any source, neither him nor the franchise, about his availability in the games ahead. With PBKS affirming their playoff spot last night, and yet having a couple of matches more to play in the league, they must be prepared for all the eventualities. 

The North Indian franchise's regular skipper became the first player in the history of the tournament to make three teams qualify for the playoffs as captain. He first accomplished this feat as the leader of the Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2019 and 2020. Moreover, in 2020, he took them to the finals, only to get beaten by the Mumbai Indians (MI). Second, he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the title glory last year, and now this season with PBKS, he, as their captain, has made them qualify for the playoffs after 11 years, and the first time since 2014. PBKS, then known as Kings XI Punjab, had lost in the final to KKR. 

Different jerseys, same leadership DNA 🧬🫡

Will this be the season Shreyas Iyer takes PBKS all the way? 🤔#TATAIPL | @PunjabKingsIPL | @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/poIirhscGM

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 19, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Harpreet Brar's classic thigh five celebration after dismissing Riyan Parag in RR vs PBKS match

In a worst-case scenario, if PBKS are forced to explore captaincy options due to the possibility of Shreyas' unavailability, then there can be a few candidates for the prestigious role. A deeper look into that might help understand which players can lead the franchise. Add to it the magnitude of the upcoming games, and it would be a serious headache for the team management if it goes that route. 

Shashank Singh 

Having been made the stand-in skipper, in Iyer's absence, against RR, he seems to have the full trust of the head coach, Ricky Ponting, and his backroom staff. Although he was guided by Shreyas and the coach while defending their total, but if left alone, he will feel confident of leading the side in this extremely vital business stage of the tournament. When batting, lower down the order for the Kings, aiming to finish well, he plays maturely and responsibly, and this character might aid him if asked to don the captaincy hat. 

Prabhsimran Singh

Although he has never captained any team, in any format and on any level, now being the first-choice wicketkeeper of the team in Josh Inglis' absence, he can be thrown into the skipper duties. From behind the stumps, he has a bird's eye view of the game and sees the action unfold in front of him.  This game sense can help him while making all the bowling changes and setting the field accordingly. 

Arshdeep Singh

The leader of the bowling attack for the team, he is always seen giving his valuable inputs towards making things happen. He is progressive on the field and would relish if made the captain. Being already in the think tank, he will have an added advantage and would feel strategically confident enough to lead his side in case the regular skipper cannot. 

PBKS would hope that Shreyas Iyer recovers in time for their upcoming games and is deemed fit enough to not only lead but also contribute massively with the bat, as he is known for and has done positively for the team. Taking a player of his calibre out of any side would create a huge hole in their chances to progress and put a stake forward for winning the silverware.  

The 54th match of IPL 2025 was played between Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants at Dharamshala ground. In this match, Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow team by 37 runs and got their seventh win in this season of IPL 2025. Punjab Kings batted first in the match and scored 236 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. In reply, Lucknow team could only score 199 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.

Talking about this match, Punjab Kings were batting first in this match. Punjab Kings had a very bad start, Priyansh Arya was out after scoring one run in the very first over. After this, Josh English, who came to bat at number three, played an innings of 30 runs in 14 balls with the help of four tremendous sixes. After that captain Shreyas Iyer shared a 78-run partnership with Prabhsimran Singh. Shreyas Iyer played an innings of 45 runs in 25 balls. While Prabhsimran Singh missed his century, he scored 91 runs in just 48 balls with the help of 6 fours and 7 sixes. After this, Shashank Singh played an innings of 33 runs in just 15 balls with the help of four fours and a six. Stoinis also played an innings of 15 runs in five balls. Akash Singh and Digvesh Rathi took two wickets each from the Lucknow team. Prince Yadav also got one wicket.

Lucknow's batting flopped in run chase

Lucknow Supergiants had a very bad start while chasing the target of 237 runs given by Punjab Kings and Mitchell Marsh was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh without opening the account. After this, Aiden Markram was bowled by Arshdeep after scoring 13 runs in 10 balls. Nicholas Pooran also got out LBW after scoring 6 runs in five balls and the score of Lucknow team became 27 runs for the loss of three wickets. After this, captain Rishabh Pant came to bat and he also flopped once again. He returned to the pavilion after playing an innings of 18 runs in 17 balls. David Miller also could not score 11 runs in 8 balls.

Badoni and Samad saved the honor of the Lucknow team

The honor of the Lucknow team, which had lost its five wickets for just 73 runs, was saved by the partnership of Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni. There was a partnership of 81 runs in 41 balls between the two players in this match. Ayush Badoni scored 74 runs in 40 balls with the help of five fours and five sixes in this match, while Abdul Samad also scored 45 runs in 24 balls with the help of two fours and four sixes. Avesh Khan also played an innings of 19 runs in 10 balls in the end. From the Punjab Kings team, Arshdeep Singh took three wickets for 16 runs in four overs. Apart from this, Azmatullah Omarzai also took two wickets.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025, Match 54: Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants Full Match Highlights

Twitter reactions after RCB wins 54th match of IPL 2025

Great win but should have wrapped the innings of lsg way early after having them 5 down on 70 odd runs to improve our net run rate..But nonetheless a great Victory keep the momentum going and try to Finish in Top 2 ❤️🔥 @PunjabKingsIPL #PBKSvsLSG pic.twitter.com/bkudN3B7lR

— Deep🦁 (@Mikeychhura) May 4, 2025

No PKBS Fan will scroll down without RT and Like
Congratulations 🎉#PBKSvsLSG pic.twitter.com/mtHxE824M3

— ROLEX OG (@Lfg85743763) May 4, 2025

Single handedly destroyed the top order of LSG#LSGvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/w4CyHJr3gh

— Comedyculture.in (@ComedycultureIn) May 4, 2025

Joke of the year...🤣🤣🤣@RishabhPant17
You don't deserve in PBKS ..
Pant ..😂😂... LSG please release him @LucknowIPL #PBKSvsLSG
Lucky PBKS.. 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/3IFdx2dnuq

— Donald Trump Fan Account (@Pavankumar1834) May 4, 2025

Ball se jyada dur bat ko fekne ka ghamand hay 😂 #PBKSvsLSG pic.twitter.com/amAfUrO0aH

— Aakay 🦅 (@MrAakay) May 4, 2025

4 losses in the last 5 matches now for LSG !!!

- Belt se kutai time loading for Pant, Langer and Zaheer Khan from Goenka saab !!#PBKSvsLSG #PBKSvLSG pic.twitter.com/IhdaIQ5aWu

— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) May 4, 2025

#PBKSvsLSG

"Kuchh permanent nhi hotaa " par ye hota hai "

Why pant??, pic.twitter.com/g2ehxenKWR

— himanshi ♡ (@me__himanshi) May 4, 2025

Ab ye kaun si bla h 🤣 #PBKSvsLSG #PBKSvLSG
pic.twitter.com/grBvCiuzAt

— TheOpinionHub (@TheOpinionHub) May 4, 2025

Most 230+ pbks
Most 200+ chases pbks
Biggest chase pbks
Lowest defend pbks
🗿 GOATED TEAM IN ENTERTAINMENT #PBKSvsLSG pic.twitter.com/4ouLSQW2Lg

— Introvert :) (@extrovert_yes) May 4, 2025

Punjab Kings win by 37 runs! #PBKSvsLSG #LSGvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/dNSGyhGvBT

— KOTH Gaming (@KOTHGaming_) May 4, 2025

The MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk, Chennai) will host the Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings (CSK vs PBKS) match during the 49th match of the IPL 2025 on Wednesday evening (April 30). It will be their second meeting in the IPL 2025, while Punjab Kings won the first one by 18 runs in Mullanpur. Here, we are going through the Dream11 top three captains and vice-captains for the CSK vs PBKS match. 

IPL 2025, Match 49: CSK vs PBKS Probable XIs

In an exciting IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens, Prabhsimran Singh again showed why he is one of the most thrilling young stars of Indian cricket. The highlight moment was when Prabhsimran pulled off a remarkable switch-hit six off the experienced spinner Sunil Narine, which left the crowd, commentators, and even the opposition in awe.

Facing one of the most experienced bowlers in T20 cricket, Sunil Narine, Prabhsimran Singh displayed nerves of steel. In the middle overs, with PBKS seeking to boost the pace, Prabhsimran executed a daring switch-hit, precisely timing Narine's delivery over the off-side boundary for a six. The stroke was a masterclass in innovation and fearlessness, emphasizing the changing face of modern T20 batting. The act soon went viral on social media, with the fans hailing Prabhsimran's technique and confidence. Clips of the switch-hit have been doing the rounds on the internet, with experts labeling it as one of the shots of the season.

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Prabhsimran wasn't finished with one highlight. He continued to play a breathtaking knock, scoring 83 runs off just 49 balls, sprinkling his innings with six boundaries and six huge sixes. His attacking game at the top of the order provided PBKS with the ideal platform, as they reached a strong total of 201/4 in their 20 overs. With young sensation Priyansh Arya, who scored a smooth 69 alongside him, Prabhsimran made sure Punjab Kings ruled the first innings. Their 120-run opening partnership was the deciding factor behind creating what could have been a record-breaking game.

WATCH: Prabhsimran Singh's Breathtaking Switch-Hit Against Sunil Narine

THE PRABHSIMRAN SINGH SWITCH HIT FOR SIX vs NARINE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4UWCzp03YO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 26, 2025

Rain Plays Spoilsport

Punjab Kings put up a commanding total of 201/4 in 20 overs, thanks to explosive knocks from Priyansh Arya (69 off 35) and Prabhsimran (83 off 49). Shreyas Iyer added a steady 25*, while Josh Inglis chipped in with a quick 11*. Vaibhav Arora stood out for the Kolkata Knight Riders with 3 wickets. Despite a strong batting display, the game was interrupted by rain before KKR could properly begin their chase.

Kolkata Knight Riders managed only 7/0 in one over before rain forced the match to be abandoned. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine opened the innings but had no real chance to build momentum. Marco Jansen bowled the only over for Punjab. With no further play possible, the match was declared a no result, and both teams had to settle for sharing one point each.

The 31st match of IPL 2025 was played between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders at Chandigarh ground. And in this match, Punjab Kings created history by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by 16 runs and with this, Punjab Kings became the first team to defend the lowest total in the history of IPL. Punjab Kings had set a target of just 112 runs in front of Kolkata team, in response, Kolkata team was all out for 95 runs.

Talking about this match, Punjab Kings team could not score a big score and Kolkata team had a target of only 112 runs. But the real game starts when Yuzvendra Chahal comes to bowl. Chahal first dismissed Ajinkya Rahane LBW on a score of 17 runs, after which he also dismissed Angkrish Raghuvanshi who was looking dangerous. Chahal then dismissed Rinku Singh and then Ramandeep Singh on two consecutive balls to bring back Punjab Kings. Chahal took four wickets for 28 runs in four overs.
In this match played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, Punjab Kings were all out for 111 runs while batting first. This is the second lowest score of the current IPL season. Barring openers Priyansh Arya (22) and Prabhsimran Singh (30), the rest of the batsmen were seen struggling on the home ground. Apart from these two, only Nehal Wadhera (10), Shashank Singh (18) and Xavier Bartlett (11) could score in double figures.

The team lost six wickets for 80 runs and experienced spinner Narine made it difficult for Punjab to make a comeback by dismissing Suryansh Shedge (four) and Marco Jansen (one). Shashank and Bartlett took the team past 100 with a 23-run partnership for the ninth wicket but both were dismissed within three balls. This resulted in Punjab's innings being reduced to 111 runs. This was their fourth lowest score in the IPL. Harshit Rana (three wickets for 25 runs) was the most successful bowler for KKR, while Varun Chakraborty (two wickets for 21 runs) and Sunil Narine (two wickets for 14 runs) took two wickets each. And the entire innings of Punjab Kings collapsed on a flat wicket.

ALSO READ: [WATCH] IPL 2025: KL Rahul meets head coach Rahul Dravid ahead of DC vs RR clash

Kolkata Knight Riders team failed in run chase

Chasing the target of 112 runs, Kolkata's condition was also bad. In the very first over of the innings, Sunil Narine was bowled by Marco Jansen after scoring five runs with a four. In the next over, Xavier Bartlett, who was playing his first IPL match, got Quinton de Kock (2) caught by Suryansh Shedge on the boundary. Captain Ajinkya Rahane (17) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37), who came as an impact player, took the team from a score of seven runs for two wickets and took it to 62 runs. Both played well and took advantage of some lifelines.

With this, KKR tightened the grip. In the eighth over, Chahal got Rahane out LBW and brought Punjab back. In his next over, he gave the fourth blow by getting Raghuvanshi caught by Bartlett. Glenn Maxwell's spin changed the course of the match by sending Venkatesh Iyer (7). Chahal then brought KKR to its knees by dismissing Rinku Singh (2) and Ramandeep Singh (0) in two consecutive balls. Rinku was stumped and Ramandeep's catch was taken by Shreyas at leg slip. After this, Jansen bowled Harshit Rana and gave the eighth blow to KKR

Twitter reactions after PBKS wins 31th match of IPL 2025

PBKS Celebrating after defending 111 score against KKR...

Rayadu be like : Why are they celebrating like they won the IPL trophy 🏆 😆😆#KKRvPBKS pic.twitter.com/ZsdWjzZjwb

— Star Factor (@Musicalibrary) April 15, 2025

Wow, what a match.. poor KKR can't even chased 100+ score. 🤔

Congratulations to PBKS for the WIN 💥#PBKSvsKKR pic.twitter.com/GAL2HXY72Y

— Ravi (@itsravirk) April 15, 2025

I can’t believe PBKS actually managed to win!! pic.twitter.com/jY6dveqAFe

— Anika Singh 🇮🇳 (@AnikaSingh_13) April 15, 2025

What a game! PBKS just defended the lowest ever total in IPL history. Absolute nail biter & a sensational comeback! KKR got crushed at the finish line, Talk about scriptsss 💥#PBKSvKKR pic.twitter.com/0GlkH3GQO3

— BlackGold✨ (@b1ackgoldd) April 15, 2025

PBKS BOWLED OUT FOR JUST 111.#PBKSvsKKR#Ramcharitmanas_UntoldSecret pic.twitter.com/Iy9pAOyUQ7

— L K KUSHWAHA♐ (@Samrat13031996) April 15, 2025

Baap baap hota h
Beta beta

Ab apne papa shreyas ka moo mai lega ??

PBKS
Highest ever total chased 262 Vs KKR
Lowest ever total defended 111 Vs KkR

We officially own you irrelevant KKHaar.

— 𝐏𝐁𝐊𝐒 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 🦁 (@LionOfPBKS) April 15, 2025

🗣️"KKR made a slow track and won"
Ironically PBKS lost on a similar track in their home ground 😂😂💉💉 pic.twitter.com/yEypwKUpvn

— Arka (@ARKA0432) April 5, 2025

After PBKS, KKR lost 7 wicket on 76 score
Chahal and Maxwell....🔥#PBKSvKKR pic.twitter.com/uIS5P7fxv3

— Dr Artistic Soul (@dr_artisticsoul) April 15, 2025

KKR did what they are best at.
They are best at getting fk ed.
KKR 95 all out🤣🤣🤣🤣 lowest score of IPL 2025#PBKSvKKR pic.twitter.com/kB7pTmHgdU

— jataayu (@WoKyaHotaHai) April 15, 2025

KKR holds the record for the lowest score of the season once again.#KKRvsPBKSpic.twitter.com/KE2WWI3cXj https://t.co/vjFZqPGgPT

— Satya (@YoursSatya) April 15, 2025

Worst defeat in the history of IPL for KKR.Congrats to my fellow PBKS fans..One more thing Rinku Singh is a brainless lad.He created panic with his atrocious batting against spin. Venky & Ramandeep played most useless shot ever.Rahane should have reviewed #PBKSvsKKR #KKRvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/D85hSjjnm7

— Cover Drive (@day6596) April 15, 2025

Lowest Score Team In The Season To Defend 111runs 🤣🤣🤣

Karma Will Never Leave Ra kukka @thalabheem113#PBKSvsKKR pic.twitter.com/KWwMKWVseX https://t.co/QV7q8cQe67

— TheyCallHim #OG🚩 (@ItsMe_Santhu) April 15, 2025

Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh Shine with 644 Runs in 3 Matches, Eye India vs England Squad Spot

Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh are two rising star cricketers from India who've been performing well in domestic cricket. In just three matches, they conjoined it by scoring a whopping 644 runs together. Their amazing performance is showing everyone they're ready to play. People are now speaking a lot about whether these men will graduate to play for India in the upcoming major series against England, all because they're playing so well consistently.

Impressive Performances in Domestic Cricket

Abhishek Sharma is really proficient at going up to hit first and has been playing amazing lately. Abhishek Sharma's great at building from the ground up a large score, slowly or quickly, speeding things if that's what's needed, which is vitally important for playing cricket around the world. In his latest games, he's been hitting the ball smoothly, showing he's sharp and informed about the game, and dealing with tough moments like a pro.

Prabhsimran Singh, the wicketkeeper-batter, has been amazing because he can change his approach to fit different conditions and fight off all kinds of bowlers. Singh's been extremely steady, always achieving up large scores and keeping his team in the lead. With how good he's been with the bat, he's proving he should join the Indian team.

ALSO READ:Former Indian top-order batter lashes out captain Rohit Sharma's Sydney Test decision

Abhishek Sharma & Prabhsimran Singh: Opening for Punjab in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

Building a Case for the India vs England Series

Abhishek and Prabhsimran have really stepped up and proved they have the skills needed when it gets very challenging, which is vitally important for facing a tough team such as England. With the India vs England series just around the corner and expected to be really close and tough, scouts are definitely going to pick players who are on top of their approach.

Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh have impressed with outstanding performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. Their consistent form has sparked discussions about their potential inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming series against England.Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh have impressed with outstanding performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. Their consistent form has sparked discussions about their potential inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming series against England.India is trying to create a good all-around team, so players who are good in all types of the game are really wanted. Because Abhishek can strike the ball with great force in white-ball cricket and he's also played a lot of domestic traditional games, he makes the batting group stronger. At the same time, having Prabhsimran, who can use the bat to hit the ball and also keep wickets, lets the team try different and new options more and have more game plans.

Abhishek Sharma & Prabhsimran Singh: Stats in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Punjab openers Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh slammed centuries against Saurashtra, where they set up the joint second-highest opening partnership in the tournament history.

The IPL 2025 retained players, SunRisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma and Punjab Kings’ uncapped Prabhsimran Singh, blasted against the Saurashtra bowlers. While the Punjab skipper Sharma scored a 60-ball century, Prabhsimran scored an 81-ball century.

After Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat chose to field first, Punjab recorded their first 400+ total in List A history. At the end of the 50 overs, Punjab scored 424/5.

See Also: A look back into India's glorious run in 2024

Abhishek Sharma slammed 86-ball 150 runs; and recorded Punjab's highest score

The 24-year-old opener and skipper Abhishek Sharma completed his half-century in 24 balls and then completed his fourth List A century in 60 balls. Then, he completed his 150 runs in 86 balls. While his previous List A highest score was 169 not out, which was also the List A record by a Punjab batter, Sharma set a new record in Punjab’s List A cricket history after scoring 170 runs off 96 balls with 22 fours and eight sixes. 

Prabhsimran Singh scored 81-ball century

Meanwhile, Sharma’s opening partner Prabhsimran Singh took 52 balls to complete his 50 runs, but then the 24-year-old’s powerful batting helped him to complete his fourth List A century in 81 balls. He was out after scoring 125 runs off 95 balls with 11 fours and eight sixes. 

298-run opening partnership

Sharma and Singh set up a 298-run partnership for the first wicket. It was the highest List A partnership for Punjab for any wicket, as their previous record was a 258-run partnership for the second wicket between Uday Kaul and Dinesh Mongia (against Jammu & Kashmir in 2006).

On the other hand, the 298-run opening partnership was the joint second-highest partnership in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In 2022, the Bengal openers Sudip Kumar Gharami and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran set up a 298-run first-wicket partnership against Services. Both of those partnerships are in joint third place in the list of highest partnerships for any wicket in the tournament history. 

The record partnership for any wicket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is the List A record partnership of 416 runs for the first wicket between the Tamil Nadu openers Sai Sudharsan and Narayan Jagadeesan against Arunachal Pradesh in 2022.

Coming back to the Punjab vs Saurashtra match, wicketkeeper-batter Anmol Malhotra and Sanvir Singh later built an 89-run partnership for the unbroken sixth wicket to guide the total 400+ runs.  While Malhotra scored 48 not out off 45 balls (six fours), Sanvir scored 40 not out off 29 balls (four fours and one six). 

In match 59 of the IPL 2023, Punjab Kings made a respectable comeback with the bat after suffering two defeats in a row thanks to a century from Prabhsimran Singh

Subsequent to being approached to bat first by Delhi Capitals, Shikhar Dhawan’s group haggled with a precarious Arun Jaitley Arena surface solidly to the point of putting 167 sudden spikes in demand for the scoreboard.

Dhawan became Ishant Sharma’s first victim of the night in only the second delivery of the second over, so the start did not go according to plan. In his second over, the veteran pacer destroyed the stumps of Liam Livingstone, as Punjab’s score read 38/2 after five overs.

Least to say, twitter fans were super excited! Here’s some of the supportive comments!