A light-hearted campaign to hit the most sixes inside the dressing room helped spark Punjab Kings’ batting surge, captain Shreyas Iyer revealed after the table-toppers produced yet another commanding performance. Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs on Sunday, posting 254/7 at the venue. The innings featured Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly smashing 93 and 87 respectively as Punjab registered the highest team total of the ongoing IPL season.
Iyer, speaking at the post-match presentation, highlighted the freedom that came with the team’s approach. “It was an exceptional partnership—some of the shots were jaw-dropping. We went after the fast bowlers from the back foot, and the composure during the middle overs was sensational,” he said. He added that before the game he had spoken with Arya and Connolly about competing for the most six-hitting feats. “I was talking with Cooper and Arya—let’s compete for the most number of sixes. The prize is my bat, though it doesn’t really make sense, but hopefully it will make us happy. When you let players be, they just deliver. That’s our mantra.”
Arya and Connolly combined to put on a huge second-wicket stand of 182 runs in just 13.2 overs, delivering a highly entertaining contest for Punjab supporters and making the chase extremely difficult for Lucknow. Connolly also credited the environment around the group. “I don’t tell them how to go about their specific innings. They already have their patterns set. Ricky Ponting motivates just before the game, I chip in, the boys come in and deliver,” he said.
Punjab’s bowlers then backed up the big score with disciplined work, keeping Lucknow Super Giants to 200/5 and sealing a comfortable win. Iyer pointed to the experience within the bowling group. “Most of our bowlers are international players with immense experience. We have plans against certain batters—it’s all about execution. They just shouldn’t get complacent,” he remarked.
In response, Lucknow skipper Rishabh Pant acknowledged that there were definite concerns to address after conceding 254. “It’s difficult to point out one area. The bowlers have done well, but there have been areas of concern. There is some positivity with the batting,” Pant said.
Lucknow also attempted a fresh look at the top with Ayush Badoni coming in as part of the opening combination. Badoni scored 35 off 21 deliveries as the chase got underway, but Punjab’s total proved too steep to overcome.
Badoni explained the thinking behind the move. “The idea was to go out and play freely. It was pre-decided, not a decision taken today. We tried to take the pressure off the top order. We believe in the team, but credit to PBKS for playing good, hard cricket,” he said.
Priyansh Arya, who was named Player of the Match, described his innings as an effort to extend the momentum. “Today I batted a little beyond the powerplay and contributed as much as I could for my team. That gave me a lot of satisfaction. I don’t practice six-hitting that much. I just practice timing the ball as well as possible, and that helps me in batting,” Arya said.
The 24-year-old further added that he prefers to keep conversations to a minimum once the ball is in play. “If we talk too much, too many thoughts come into my mind. I feel it’s better if we don’t talk too much, then we can play with a clearer mind,” he said.
