PBKS Vs RCB, IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer Says ‘We Have Lost Battle, Not War’ After Qualifier 1 Defeat

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer asserted that his team ‘lost the battle but not the war’ during their eight-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 1 match on 29 May.

PBKS were dismissed for just 101 runs in the first innings, with RCB chasing down the target in just 10 overs to seal their place in the IPL 2025 final on 3 June. However, speaking during the post-match press conference, Iyer said, “We have lost the battle, but not the war.”

The PBKS skipper was also questioned about the choice of batters, as many fell down to poor shot selections against RCB’s pacers and leg-spinner Suyash Sharma. However, Iyer disagreed with that assessment. “I am not doubting my decisions to be honest,” he said.

“We got to work on our batting, especially on this (kind of) wicket,” he added. “In all the games we have played here, there has been some variable bounce.”

Despite the pitch causing problems to his team, Iyer did not want to use that as an excuse for their big loss in Qualifier 1. “We can’t give such reasons because we are professionals at the end of the day, and we have to bat according to the situation, and we have to live up to it,” he said.

Punjab Kings will get another shot at making the final stage as they face the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on 1 June. “Not a day to forget, but got to go back to the drawing board. We lost a lot of wickets (in the first innings). There’s a lot to go back and study on,” Shreyas said.

“Whatever we did in terms of planning, outside of the ground, whatever (planning) we did, I think it was on point,” he added. “Just that we couldn’t execute it on the field. Can't even blame the bowlers, as it was a low total to defend.”

‘One More Game,’ Says RCB Captain Patidar After IPL 2025 Qualifier Win

Meanwhile, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar was in an elated mood following their crucial win, sealing a place in the IPL final for the first time since 2016. He praised youngster Suyash Sharma, who took three wickets against PBKS.

“Suyash chipped in well. He bowls in line of the stumps, which is his strength,” Patidar said. “I don’t give him a lot of ideas, don’t want to confuse him.”

He also praised opening batter Phil Salt, whose half-century was crucial in securing the chase for RCB. “The way he is batting in every match, the way he is giving us starts, it is a treat. I am a big fan of him,” Patidar said.

“Always thank RCB fans, wherever we go, we feel like it is our home ground. One more game, let’s celebrate together,” the skipper declared, referring to the IPL 2025 final on 3 June at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.