Shreyas Iyer’s selfless act during Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 opener against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday has drawn comparisons with legendary MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Playing his first match in Punjab Kings colours, the new captain was on 97 off 42 balls at the end of the 19th over after opting to/sent to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Clearly, the former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper needed a hit to score his maiden IPL ton.
Instead, he asked Shashank Singh, who was taking the strike in the final over, to continue hitting. Going by his captain’s words, the right-hander, who was one of the two players Punjab Kings retained, smashed five fours off Mohammed Siraj to take 23 runs from the over.
Punjab Kings finished at 243/6 in 20 overs as Shashank Singh remained unbeaten on 44 runs from just 16 balls. Shreyas Iyer’s selfless attitude of sacrificing personal milestone over team’s success was praised by all.
At the same time, two old videos of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni prioritising personal milestones in the IPL, have resurfaced on social media, thus drawing comparisons with the 30-year-old.
Virat Kohli sends back Marcus Stoinis for 100
In an IPL 2019 game, Virat Kohli, leading for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (then Bangalore), was on 96 when Marcus Stoinis wanted a two on the fourth ball but was sent back after a single. Virat Kohli hit a four in the next to complete his hundred.
The decision by Virat Kohli not only raised eyebrows but also faced criticism for focussing on his personal milestone rather than prioritising his team’s success. RCB had won the game by 10 runs.
MS Dhoni declines single with Ambati Rayudu
In another inicident from IPL 2018, MS Dhoni was batting on 49 against Delhi Capitals when he tried to pull a short ball from Trent Boult but it hit his glove and went to Rishabh Pant behind his stumps. Ambati Rayudu, who was at the non-striker’s end, in the meantime has crossed over, looking for a single only to find the CSK skipper unmoved. Ambati Rayudu was run out while sprinting back.
Shreyas Iyer’s decision to forgo his personal hundred only speaks volume about his team-first mentality.
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