In a gripping encounter at the IPL 2025 season opener, Vyshak Vijaykumar emerged as the hero for Punjab Kings, steering them to a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans. The match, held in New Delhi, saw Punjab Kings set a formidable target of 243/5, which Gujarat Titans fell short of, finishing at 232/5.
The turning point came in the 13th over when Punjab Kings’ pacer Arshdeep Singh noticed the ball was reverse-swinging after applying saliva. Recognizing Vyshak’s ability to swing the ball away from left-handers, Arshdeep signaled to captain Shreyas Iyer to bring Vyshak in as an ‘Impact Substitute’ for the death overs. With Gujarat Titans needing 64 runs off the last four overs, Iyer trusted Arshdeep’s instincts and handed the ball to Vyshak.
After a quick discussion with Iyer and Arshdeep, the 28-year-old Vyshak executed his plan flawlessly, focusing on wide yorkers. Despite starting with a couple of wides, he maintained his discipline, denying Sherfane Rutherford any boundaries and visibly frustrating the batter. Vyshak’s first two overs went for just 10 runs, a crucial effort that tilted the game in Punjab Kings’ favor.
In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, Vyshak reflected on his match-winning spell. ‘This was one of my best performances in the IPL, and I’m really happy that we ended up on the winning side,’ he said. He emphasized the team effort, praising Arshdeep’s bowling (4 overs for 37 runs and 2 wickets) and the contributions of Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh, and Shashank Singh, who hit crucial boundaries in the final over.
Vyshak’s strategy of bowling wide yorkers was a deliberate plan, backed by the team’s leadership. ‘The captain and Ricky (Ponting) gave me complete freedom,’ he explained. ‘They told me, ‘Do whatever you want, as long as you’re 100% clear on what you’re doing.’ That kind of backing makes a big difference.’
Reflecting on the dew factor, Vyshak noted that while it was challenging, the team was prepared to execute their skills under any conditions. ‘If you want to perform at the highest level, you can’t make excuses about conditions,’ he stated.
Arshdeep’s role was pivotal, not just in suggesting Vyshak’s inclusion but also in boosting his confidence. ‘He gave me so much confidence, making me feel like I was the best bowler in the world,’ Vyshak said. ‘When someone like him tells you that you can do it, it gives you an incredible feeling.’
With Shreyas Iyer at the helm, Punjab Kings are optimistic about their chances in the tournament. ‘He’s an exceptional captain and a great human being,’ Vyshak praised. ‘He knows exactly how to get the best out of his players.’ Iyer’s selfless decision to prioritize the team’s target over his personal milestone of a century further exemplified his leadership.
This victory marks a promising start for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, with Vyshak Vijaykumar’s impactful performance setting the tone for what could be a memorable season.