Punjab Kings, under by skipper Shreyas Iyer, pulled off a spectacular run-chase in Qualifier 2 of the just concluded Indian Premier League 2025 against Mumbai Indians. Iyer scored 87* off 41 balls at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, securing his team’s participation in the Finals, which they eventually lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3.

After the match against MI, all of the players exchanged handshakes, but Iyer was spotted screaming insults at Shashank Singh while greeting him. Shashank has since admitted that he was criticised for taking a casual approach in a do-or-die situation, which may have cost them the game. He claimed that despite the insults he received from the PBKS skipper, they both went out for supper afterward.

“I deserve it; Iyer should have slapped me, and my father did not speak to me until the finals.” I was casual, wandering on the beach, not in the garden. It was a critical time, and Shreyas was clear that I didn’t anticipate this from you, but he subsequently took me out to dinner,” Shashank told Indian Express.

The youths in the dressing room saw him as a chill banda: Shashank Singh

Despite Iyer’s harsh statements, Shashank Singh lauded his captaincy qualities and stated that there is no better captain in international cricket right now, and all of the young players feel at home with Shreyas in the dressing room. Shashank went on to say that Iyer is not afraid to seek counsel from the appropriate sources.

“Based on everything I’ve heard and observed, there is no greater captain in international cricket now. He grants us freedom and treats everyone fairly. No one will claim Shreyas has an attitude. The young people in the dressing room regard him as a chill bandaa (calm person). Shreyas is the lone captain who has told us that if anyone has any suggestions during the game, they can come and tell him. If he believes that is the best counsel, he will follow it. “It’s uncommon,” the PBKS winner stated.