Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer (IPL | X)

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer battled a severe finger injury to score a feisty 25-ball 30 against Rajasthan Royals in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash on a hot Sunday afternoon at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.Iyer walked out for the toss with a heavily taped index finger, having been hit during the practice session on the eve of the match.He came in to bat when Punjab found themselves in a tricky situation. After opting to bat first, PBKS lost momentum early, losing three quick wickets — Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Mitch Owen.Iyer, known for his composure in pressure situations, opened his account with a stylish flicked boundary past mid-wicket off Tushar Deshpande. South African left-arm quick Kwena Mphaka attempted a short-pitched delivery, but strayed in line and was punished with a crisp square cut.

Two boundaries in the ninth over off Akash Madhwal brought up the 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Nehal Wadhera.Iyer later brought up Punjab’s 100 with a glorious whip through wide long-on. Just when he seemed to be settling in, he mistimed a shot straight to long-off, where Yashasvi Jaiswal took a comfortable catch. Riyan Parag broke the 67-run stand between Iyer and Wadhera.Earlier, players from both teams lined up for the Indian national anthem to pay tribute to the Indian armed forces ahead of their match. The tribute honored the forces’ unwavering commitment and valor. “Thank you Armed Forces” flashed across stadium screens as the anthem was played.During the toss, Iyer expressed gratitude, saying, “Kudos to the armed forces who have worked for the country and made sure that we’re in a comfortable position.”