Mohali – Captain Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings) divulged some tactical facts about his side victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their most recent IPL game in, system Tom express II.
After the game at PCA Stadium in Mohali, Iyer said that their bowling was good, conditions suited us and we targeted Kolkata Knight Riders weaker links especially how Ajinkya Rahane handled the innings.
Kolkata Knight Riders were pummelled in the Punjab Kings game and the home team won by a convincing margin. As Iyer, when asked about the composition of the KKR lineup stressed the point that their plans were individualized to Rahane, who has been playing in-front opener role for KKR. ” (Iyer) We were keeping a close eye on the batting patterns,” “Ajinkya knows to play with patience and gradually get the starts.
Iyer added that Punjab Kings’ bowlers did in fact execute this plan with precision He pointed out the lines and lengths that were changed, to bowl wide in restriction of Rahane the batsman from scoring. Ranganna’s fielders were also placed to give him no straigt runs. We were in essence playing behind their backs (sic) and this they played directly, to take away KL batsmen who we feel were their most important players.
It was a tactical win for the team as Rahane got under their skin, unable to get going and eventually giving up a much lower score. The fact he could not come good took the sting off KKR’s bottom order, crumbled under the pressure which choked the rest of their playing XI.
His bowlers too got credit as they stuck to the script not for a regular gotcha in IPL 2025 match Iyer appreciated. He credited their discipline and grasp of what was happening in the game as a factor in the successful implementation execution of plans. The win certainly gives Punjab Kings a good run in the tournament and it goes without saying that Iyer has the tactical brain of a captain here. Punjab Kings will get humongous momentum in the form of win against formidable side of Kolkata Knight Riders as they head into IPL 2025.
