Shreyas Iyer’s recent IPL innings set an example of selflessness in T20 cricket. He was one hit away from hitting his first IPL century, but he chose not to keep the strike and instead concentrated on what was better for the team. Iyer's decision illustrates the attitude of T20 cricket: get as many runs as possible without caring about putting personal goals.

Aakash Chopra brought out what Iyer did differently, contrasting it with how players in the modern game have used the opportunity of getting set to change the course of the game for themselves. The lesson, as always, in a short, fast-paced version of the game like T20 is that it is always better to look out for the bigger picture. The importance of individual achievement should come after the team’s.

Iyer was only one hit away from his first IPL century. Didn’t get the strike thereafter. Didn’t ask for it either. And it’s set a nice example for everyone.
T20 cricket is all about maximising every ball…whoever is hitting, keeps hitting. No personal milestones are bigger than…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 26, 2025

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The game as such has witnessed the sad picture of players in the chases, slowing down in an attempt to reach set milestones, and there are so many attempts made, but what came out was the best team-oriented result. Iyer’s innings is strikingly typical and doesn’t reflect that simplistic ethos of cricket, where every run scored is deemed to be better than a personal milestone. His decision to not engage in strike farming indicates the mindset of the wearer of the modern game: wider game picture thinking.

Chopra didn’t name names; however, it sparked a whole new debate about younger players, most especially more experienced players who the statement was about, and whether the whole “farming the strike” debate is really about Kohli and other senior players.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RR vs KKR Dream11 Prediction 6th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Regardless of comparisons, Iyer’s act of putting the team first is a commendable example for upcoming cricketers. It reinforces that while centuries are celebrated, true greatness lies in playing selfless cricket that benefits the entire team.

In the IPL 2015 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rohit Sharma was on 98* in the last over of the match. The batsman who was facing, Corey Anderson, could have taken a single and placed Rohit on strike, but Rohit told him, "Don’t think about my century, play for the team" Anderson was able to execute the captain’s instructions and in turn, helped MI win the match instead of allowing self-fulfilling milestones dictate the outcome.

Fast forward to IPL 2025, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer had a familiar situation against Gujarat Titans (GT). Shreyas had a chance to strike while batting with 97* in the last over and Shashank Singh, who was on strike, had the option to take a single. Much like a decade ago, Iyer instructed Shashank to "play for the team, not my century." After the single PBKS went on to win the match. 

2015 IPL : Rohit 98*
In the last over, Rohit told Corey Anderson not to think about my century, play for the team.

2025 IPL : Shreyas 97*
In the last over, Shreyas told Shashank not to think about my century, play for the team.

Shreyas Iyer not only idolize Rohit but is also… pic.twitter.com/S9IMBWAAfB

— Jyran (@Jyran45) March 25, 2025

Also Read: Iyer’s near century steals show in Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 opener

The astounding aspect of every great player is their ability to redefine the social paradigm. To put a greater emphasis, instead of resting easier with the knowledge of their lifetime 100 century record, cricketing legends like Rohit and Shreyas Iyer have an unfaltered commitment on working for the country.

He has been one of the leading and aggressive scorers in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has single-handedly played many match-winning innings, and from the years of him playing IPL, some of his sporting pieces came in one over. Let us look into the 5 instances he scored the maximum in an over in IPL history.

Most destructive over 29 runs vs KKR in 2018:

Shreyas Iyer scored his most memorable over against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2018, where he scored 29 runs. Their losing that match was embedded into their memories as his stunning effort and effortless sixes led the other side in disbelief that made it one of his best moments in IPL.

Most Runs Scored by Shreyas Iyer in a Single Over in IPL

29 runs vs KKR, 2018
24 runs vs GT, 2025
23 runs vs PBKS, 2024
22 runs vs SRH, 2024
19 runs vs PBKS, 2015#GTvPBKS #PBKSvsGT pic.twitter.com/1qVIRevpQV

— Piyush (@piyushson17) March 25, 2025

Also read:-Champions Trophy 2025: India’s victory trends worldwide

Other dominant overs in IPL:

In 2025, while playing against Gujarat Titans (GT), Iyer scored 24 runs that solidified his form until the latest IPL edition. He also scored 23 vs PBKS in 2024 and 22 vs SRH in 2024, showing his consistency as a power hitter. He showed consistency as a power hitter during his earlier year in 2015 against PBKS, where he smashed 19 runs in an over. 

In IPL history, Iyer stands out as an important, iconic player and the most entertaining, as he can consistently score.

Shreyas Iyer made a sensational debut as Punjab Kings (PBKs) by cracking 97 runs off 42 balls against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the competition’s opening match at Narendra Modi Stadium. Falling just short of a century, Iyer powered PBKS to a commanding 243/5, setting a steep challenge for GT.

The Indian batter, who was sold for ₹26.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, fulfilled the buzz around him with a spectacular innings. After opening with just 28/1 on the scoreboard, he ruled the game from the very first over, finishing off the powerplay with the speed of a bullet train and reaching his fifty in style using two consecutive Rashid Khan sixes. The 2-hour entertainment, packed with 5 fours and 9 sixes, was quite a show of his might as he added one more over 6,000 IPL and surpassed his previous best of 96 as a record.

Captain Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS' charge with imperious 97* (42)

🎥WATCH his splendid knock against #GT ⬇️

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2025

Also Read: RR vs KKR IPL 2025: 3 key players to watch

Punjab Kings skipper Iyer felt like he was on Cloud 9, as he was appointed as the third captain of his IPL career after his tenure at Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, and the reason was none other than their force of nature tutor, Ricky Ponting. “I wanted to set the tone with fearless cricket,” Iyer said post-match, underscoring his intent to lead from the front."

GT opted to field first, and their bowlers such as Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, and Mohammed Siraj could not reduce the onslaught of Iyer. They prepared to chase 244, and the Titans will have to go through the difficult path.

Shreyas Iyer has fired a shot with a nuclear force at the beginning of a path that has waited Punjab Kings fans for 18 years for an IPL championship. The 2024 KKR-winning skipper who almost produced a perfect innings has sent a signal of Punjab Kings’ intentions in IPL 2025.

While the Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer just missed out on his century in his first IPL captaincy for the PBKS by remaining not out on 97 runs, Shashank Singh played one of the greatest cameos in tournament history during their first match of the IPL 2025, which was against the hosts Gujarat Titans on Tuesday evening. Singh later revealed skipper Iyer’s selfless act, which motivated him to play a game-changing knock. 

When the 33-year-old Shashank Singh came to bat in the first innings of the GT vs PBKS match of the fifth game in the IPL 2025, PBKS scored 162/5. In the 17th over of the innings, Shreyas Iyer, under whom KKR won the IPL 2024 title, smashed three sixes and one four to Prasidh Krishna and reached the 90-run mark.  

97 but for us 💯🥹 #GTvPBKS pic.twitter.com/Bljo8KpXqS

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 25, 2025

Shreyas Iyer faced only four balls in the last three overs

In the last three overs of the innings, Iyer managed to face only four balls, and Singh played the remaining 14 balls to add 42 runs. After smashing two sixes and one four to Rashid Khan in the 18th over, PBKS scored only one boundary in the next over of Kagiso Rabada, thanks to Iyer’s four on the first delivery of the over. 

At the start of the final over of the innings, Iyer needed three more runs to record his maiden IPL century. But Singh was too busy to smash Mohammed Siraj as the skipper had no chance to face a delivery. Singh smashed five fours in the final over to score 44 not out off 16 balls with six fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, with five fours and nine sixes, skipper Iyer recorded 97 not out in 42 balls, as their batting helped PBKS to score 243/5 in 20 overs, their second highest IPL total. 

Shashank Singh said, "Shreyas Iyer told me from ball 1 that 'don't look at my hundred'. Just play your shots, I'm happy". pic.twitter.com/uPK2H1Qhxg

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 25, 2025

See Also: Iyer’s near century steals show in Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 opener

Don't worry about my hundred: PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer to Shashank Singh

At the end of the innings, Singh revealed that captain Iyer told him not to think about his century. Singh completely focused on his strengths and did his best to score maximum runs for his team. 

Singh said, "Yes, it was a good cameo. But looking at Shreyas, that motivated me even more. Let me be very honest - Shreyas, from ball one, said don't worry about my hundred! Just watching the ball and reacting to it. I try and make sure I get the boundaries. When you go at that number, it's more likely that you'll not get a good hit. I know the shots I can back. I focus on my strengths rather than things which I can't do."

On Tuesday evening (March 25), Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings (GT vs PBKS) will face each other in the fifth match of the IPL 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad). While both teams are ready for their first IPL 2025 match, let's check out the Dream11 top captains and vice-captains of the match. 

IPL 2025, Match 5: GT vs PBKS Probable XIs

Gujarat Titans Predicted Playing 11: Shubman Gill (Captain), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan/R Sai Kishore (Impact Players), Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna    

Punjab Kings Predicted Playing 11: Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera/Yuzvendra Chahal (Impact Players), Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai/Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh.

See Also: GT vs PBKS Playing 11: IPL 2025 Match 5

IPL 2025, Match 5: GT vs PBKS Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain's choices

Shubman Gill: The leading run-scorer for Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill, who is also the skipper of the team, is in good form, especially on the less challenging pitches. Since IPL 2022, Gill holds the most IPL runs record with 1799 runs (average 44.97 and strike rate 147.70), including four centuries and 10 half-centuries. 

Shreyas Iyer: The IPL 2024 winning captain Shreyas Iyer is in great form with the bat, as he was one of the key players for India to win the recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy. Even in a challenging situation, he performed calmly with better batting skills. 

Rashid Khan: In any cricket format, the Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan plays a very important role. Apart from his controlled bowling, Rashid is also useful with the bat, as he can play big shots to add runs quickly. 

Top 3 Vice-captain's choices

Azmatullah Omarzai: Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is one of the top all-rounders in white ball cricket at present. He is an outstanding batter who likes to control innings and an impactful pace bowler.  

Arshdeep Singh: India’s leading T20I wicket-taker left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is a dominant bowler in T20 cricket. Apart from his unplayable swing with the new ball, Singh is also a star bowler in the slog overs with his perfect yorkers. Since 2024, Singh has been the leading T20 wicket-taker as an Indian with 65 wickets in 40 matches, as he took at least one wicket in 29 games out of the last 31 innings. 

Yuzvendra Chahal: The leading wicket-taker in IPL history, Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal can’t be put out from the possible star names of any IPL match. The experienced spinner knows well how to put influence in a match. 

We are getting ready for the Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings (GT vs PBKS) match for the IPL 2025 which is the fifth game of the tournament, and Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host this fixture on Tuesday evening (March 25). 

It will be the first game for both teams in the IPL 2025 as the IPL 2022 champions Gujarat Titans and IPL 2014 runners-up Punjab Kings are looking for a strong start in the new season.  

IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans are ready for new season

Gujarat Titans surprised everyone by winning the IPL trophy in their tournament debut season (2022) and finished as the runners-up in the next season (2023) both under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. While Pandya left the team for his old team Mumbai Indians before the IPL 2024 auction, Shubman Gill took the leadership charge for Titans for the 2024 season, and they finished in eighth place. The Titans were never consistent in the 2024 season as they won only five games and none of those were back-to-back. Their luck was poorer as their last two fixtures were abandoned in the rain as the Titans had no more chance to reach the Playoffs.

Titans have put full trust in the skipper Shubman Gill as they are ready for the new IPL season and looking to perform stronger in the IPL 2025.

See Also: IPL 2025: GT vs PBKS match 5 who will be the impact players for the fifth match

IPL 2025: Punjab Kings have latest IPL-winning captain with many big names

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings are desperate to end the long wait for the playoffs as they failed to advance to the playoffs for the last ten seasons after finishing as the runners-up in the 2014 season. This time they have the captain Shreyas Iyer, under whom Kolkata Knight Riders won their third IPL title in the 2024 season. This time PBKS have some exciting names who have the calibre to change the game scenario quickly. 

IPL 2025, Match 5: GT vs PBKS Playing XIs (Probable)

Gujarat Titans Predicted Playing 11: Shubman Gill (Captain), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan/R Sai Kishore (Impact Players), Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna    

Punjab Kings Predicted Playing 11: Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera/Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai/Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh.

The Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings (GT vs PBKS) match will be played in the fifth fixture of the IPL 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday evening (March 25). It will be the first match for both teams in the IPL 2025. 

IPL 2022 champions and IPL 2023 runners-up Gujarat Titans, finished the IPL 2024 in the eighth place under the new captain Shubman Gill. The Titans were inconsistent in the last IPL season as they never recorded two back-to-back wins, while their last two fixtures washout ended their final hope to qualify for the playoffs. 

The IPL 2014 runners-up Punjab Kings haven’t qualified for the Playoffs for the last ten seasons. In the 2024 season, they finished in the ninth position. PBKS were also inconsistent as they recorded only five victories. In the middle of the 2024 season, the Kings suffered some close defeats as the successful nervy finishing could change their points table status massively. 

See Also: IPL 2025: LSG Pacer Mayank Yadav’s Recovery Delayed by New Injury

IPL 2025, Match 5: GT vs PBKS - Detailed Match Preview

Match Type: League

Match No: 5

Match: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings (GT vs PBKS)

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Match Date (Day): March 25, 2025 (Tuesday)

Official Toss Time: 19:00 local time

Official Match Start Time: 19:30 local time

IPL 2025, Match 5: GT vs PBKS - Venue Stats

Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad) has strong chasing records in recent T20 matches. In the IPL 2024, the venue hosted eight games (excluding one abandoned match), where the first batting team won only twice, and the second batting team recorded six victories. 

• In the IPL 2024, we experienced two successful chasings of 200 or more runs target out of three 200+ chasings at this venue.

• While this venue has experienced 18 complete IPL matches, it has a record of three successful 200+ target chasings out of eight such challenges. 

IPL 2025, Match 5: GT vs PBKS - Head-to-Head

Gujarat Titans (GT) will play against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the fifth match of IPL 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, March 25. Last season, both teams missed out on the playoffs, finishing in 8th and 9th place.

Impact Players: Gujarat Titans (GT)

Mahipal Lomror: An all-rounder played 40 IPL matches and batted in 35 innings, scoring 527 runs at a strike rate of 141.29 and an average of 18.17. If, GT loses early wickets while batting first or needs big hits during a run chase.

Prasidh Krishna: An experienced pacer played 51 IPL matches, taking 49 wickets in as many innings. With an economy rate of 8.92 and a bowling average of 34.76. He can be the most useful substitute when bowling second, especially if the pitch helps fast bowlers.

Shahrukh Khan: A powerful hitter who played for GT last season also. His powerful hitting helps the second innings if batting conditions are good.

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Impact Players: Punjab Kings (PBKS)

 Suryansh Shegde: An all-rounder has played 9 T20 matches, As a batter, they have scored 131 runs in 9 innings at a good strike rate of 251.92 and an average of 43.67. In Bowling, he took 8 wickets in 9 innings, with their best performance being 2/11. 

 Nehal Wadhera: A left-handed batter who played 20 IPL matches and batted in 16 innings, scoring 350 runs at a strike rate of 140.00 and an average of 23.33. Their ability to find the boundary often makes them a valuable asset to the team, likely playing a middle-order role.

Priyansh Arya: A Promising all-rounder has played 28 T20 matches, batting in all 28 innings and scoring 1,181 runs at an impressive strike rate of 181.69 and an average of 45.42. His powerful hitting helps the second innings if batting conditions are good and he can bowl some magical spin if the team needs it.

GT vs PBKS: Key Batsman vs Bowler Duels to Watch Out For

• Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025​
• Time: 7:30 PM IST​
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad​
• Television: Star Sports Network
• Live Streaming: JioStar​

1. Shubman Gill vs. Arshdeep Singh
GT skipper Shubman Gill is an elegant opener who constructs innings with accuracy. Arshdeep Singh, with his swing and cutting bouncers, will try to get rid of Gill early. If Arshdeep gets him out in the powerplay, PBKS will be greatly benefited.

2. Jos Buttler vs. Yuzvendra Chahal
Jos Buttler enjoys bossing the bowlers around, but Yuzvendra Chahal can be a puzzle. Chahal's guile in being able to turn and also cheat batters with flight can give Buttler trouble. If Buttler gets into his zone, however, he can dismantle Chahal.

3. Glenn Maxwell vs. Rashid Khan
Glenn Maxwell is PBKS's largest game-changer, but GT's spin master Rashid Khan is a global-class wicket-taker. Maxwell's unconventional shots against Rashid's aggressive googlies will be a contest to watch. If Rashid gets Maxwell out early, GT can dominate the middle overs.

ALSO READ:IPL 2025: GT vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction 5th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI
4. Marcus Stoinis vs. Mohammad Siraj
Marcus Stoinis is a hard-hitting middle-order batsman capable of changing gears quickly, whereas Mohammad Siraj is GT's pace specialist. Siraj's yorkers and sharp balls towards the end will be vital in preventing Stoinis from ending the innings well for PBKS.

5. Shreyas Iyer vs. Washington Sundar
PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer has good control of spin, but Washington Sundar may challenge him with his tidy off-spin. If Sundar can keep quiet Iyer, GT can disrupt PBKS's flow in the middle overs.