In a thrilling encounter in IPL 2025, Punjab Kings defeated Gujarat Titans by 11 runs. While Shreyas Iyer’s explosive 97-run knock played a key role, it was Vijaykumar Vyshak who turned the game around with his impactful bowling spell, despite not taking a single wicket.
How Vijaykumar Vyshak Changed the Game
Vyshak was introduced as an impact player in the 15th over when Gujarat Titans were cruising towards victory. At that time, Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford were in destructive form, having smashed 87 runs in 6 overs. However, Vyshak’s disciplined bowling stalled their momentum.
- 15th over – Conceded just 5 runs, restricting Buttler and Rutherford.
- 17th over – Another tight over, giving away only 5 runs, including 3 dot balls to Rutherford.
- 19th over – Conceded 18 runs, but by then, the match was already tilted in Punjab’s favor.
Key to Punjab’s Victory: Dot Balls and Yorkers
Vyshak’s strategy was simple yet highly effective. He bowled consistent yorkers outside the off-stump, making it difficult for even aggressive batters like Buttler and Rutherford to score freely. His ability to maintain pressure in the death overs ultimately sealed Gujarat’s fate.
Shreyas Iyer’s Heroic Knock
While Vyshak’s bowling was crucial, Shreyas Iyer laid the foundation for Punjab’s win with a stunning 97 off 42 balls, smashing 9 sixes. Contributions from Priyansh Arya (47) and Shashank Singh (44)* also played a part.
Gujarat’s Bowlers Struggle
On the other hand, Gujarat’s bowlers failed to contain Punjab’s batting onslaught. Big names like Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Prasidh Krishna were expensive, leading to their team's downfall.
The Impact of Vijaykumar Vyshak
Even without picking up a wicket, Vyshak’s tight bowling in crucial overs proved why impact players can make a difference. His ability to apply pressure under high-stakes conditions made him the unsung hero of Punjab’s victory.
