
In one of the most talked-about moments of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer reminded fans what true leadership looks like. During a fiery first innings against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Iyer lit up the stage with an explosive unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls. But while his power-packed knock was headline-worthy on its own, what really captured hearts was his final-over message to batting partner Shashank Singh: “Don’t worry about my hundred, just go for the big shots.”
As PBKS aimed to set a commanding total, Iyer was cruising toward a well-deserved century. With just three runs needed and a few balls remaining, many expected the PBKS skipper to take control and reach his hundred. Instead, Iyer encouraged Shashank to play freely and focus solely on maximizing the team total. “Shreyas bhai told me, ‘Forget the hundred, go for your shots. We need every run,’” Shashank shared during the post-innings media interaction.
This selfless gesture didn’t go unnoticed. As soon as the story came out, fans flooded Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube with admiration for Iyer. Hashtags like #ShreyasIyer, #PBKSVsGT, #TeamBeforeSelf, and #CaptainCool began trending as the cricketing world applauded Iyer’s humility and clarity in a pressure situation.
Google searches surged with phrases like “Shreyas Iyer 97 not out vs GT,” “What did Shreyas Iyer say to Shashank Singh?” and “PBKS vs GT final over drama.” This wave of attention wasn’t just about cricket stats—it was about sportsmanship, character, and the kind of unspoken leadership that goes beyond numbers.
Even though Iyer missed his century by just three runs, his 97 off 42 balls*, decorated with 5 fours and 9 massive sixes, was the highlight of the innings. His aggressive yet composed approach dismantled GT’s bowling attack and anchored PBKS to a match-defining total. But more importantly, his team-first mentality elevated his performance to something far greater than just a big score.
Social media exploded with praise. “Shreyas Iyer didn’t need a century to prove anything—he’s already won our respect,” one fan tweeted. Another commented, “That’s real captaincy. When your leader says ‘Forget my hundred,’ it’s about the team. Goosebumps moment!” Sports pundits and former cricketers echoed the same sentiment, calling Iyer’s move “a rare act of leadership in today’s numbers-driven game.”
In an era where personal milestones often dominate headlines, Iyer’s decision to let go of a near-certain hundred in favor of a better team finish stands out as a powerful example of cricket’s core values—selflessness, trust, and team spirit. He didn’t just bat with flair; he led with purpose.
As PBKS walks away with a memorable victory, this moment will remain etched in the minds of cricket fans. Shreyas Iyer has long been admired for his stylish batting and cool-headed temperament, but in this match, he showed something even more important: he’s a leader who empowers others and always puts the team first.
So while his name may not have gone up on the century board, Shreyas Iyer walked off the pitch as a hero. A hero not just for what he scored—but for what he stood for. Cricket fans will remember this not as “the game where Iyer missed a century,” but as “the game where Iyer proved he’s the captain every team dreams of.
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