IPL 2025: PBKS Captain Shreyas Iyer Reflects On Emotional Low Before Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign In Dubai

In cricket, statistics often tell the story — runs scored, averages maintained, centuries celebrated. But occasionally, the deeper narrative lies beyond the numbers — in the raw emotion, the quiet resilience, and the silent battles fought in the shadows. For Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer, one such story came to light recently. In a refreshingly candid interview posted by PBKS on their official X handle and app, Iyer revealed a vulnerable moment from his preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 — a moment where frustration overwhelmed him, where even the calmest faces behind the helmet cracked open to let the emotion pour out.

A Star’s Sudden Fall: The Breakdown in Dubai

Coming off a dream run against England at home — 181 runs in three ODIs at a blistering strike rate north of 120 — Shreyas Iyer looked like a man ready to dominate world cricket again. Two cleanly struck half-centuries had restored the faith of fans and critics alike. It seemed like he had found his rhythm just in time for the Champions Trophy. But Dubai had different plans.

In the first practice session upon arrival, Iyer found himself struggling — not with the opposition, but with his own game. The tricky, slow wickets of Dubai, a stark contrast to Indian pitches, caught him off guard.

“Last time I cried was during the Champions Trophy. First practice session. Like, literally crying, crying. I was so angry at myself that I started crying. And I was also shocked — I do not cry so easily,” he shared in the now-viral conversation with actress Sahiba Bali on PBKS’ YouTube channel.

This wasn’t the breakdown of a beginner — this was the emotional outburst of a cricketer who holds himself to extraordinary standards. Having just reestablished himself in the national squad after months in the wilderness, the frustration was not just about a poor net session — it was about fear. Fear of slipping back, of wasting momentum, of failing to justify the faith.

The Pressure of Perfection: Iyer vs Himself

For Iyer, excellence is non-negotiable. Even in practice, he expects near-perfection. The problem wasn’t just technical — it was psychological.

“I had to do a little extra, and I didn’t get extra batting. So I got really angry,” he admitted.

That denial of additional batting time stung deeply. It’s rare for elite athletes to show public vulnerability, rarer still to admit to crying in frustration. But in doing so, Iyer lifted the veil on the mental toll of elite sport — the inner war that rages long before a ball is bowled in front of thousands.

Yet, true to his nature, Iyer didn’t let that moment define him. Instead, he turned it into fuel.

Redemption in Blue: Champions Trophy Heroics

As the tournament unfolded, the Dubai nets became a distant memory. Iyer stormed into the Champions Trophy with steely focus, transforming personal anguish into peak performance. In five matches, he racked up 243 runs — the second-highest tally in the entire tournament and only behind Rohit Sharma in the Indian camp. Two critical half-centuries, a top score of 79, and an average hovering around 60 — he didn’t just survive the storm, he became one.

India may have fallen short of the title, but Iyer had made a triumphant statement: the lion was roaring again.

The Comeback Trail: From Rejection to Redemption

It’s important to rewind to understand the magnitude of this rise.

In early 2024, Iyer’s cricketing journey hit rock bottom. He was dropped from the BCCI’s central contract list — a decision that shocked many, especially considering his performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Questions about fitness, consistency, and temperament swirled. Whispers about his future grew louder.

But instead of responding with outrage, Iyer responded with output.

He led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title, rediscovering his Midas touch as a tactician. He followed it up with a heroic 95-run knock to clinch Mumbai’s 42nd Ranji Trophy title. From there, the trophies kept coming — the Irani Cup, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Each match, each milestone, a rebuttal to those who doubted his commitment or class.

A New Chapter: The PBKS Project

When Iyer was named captain of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025, it felt like a perfect reset — a franchise yearning for identity, and a leader looking for a canvas.

And he hasn’t disappointed. In just three matches, Iyer has smashed 159 runs at a surreal average of 159.00 and a strike rate over 206. The highlight? A breathtaking 97* that showcased every facet of his game — precision, aggression, poise. He’s not just scoring runs; he’s setting the tone for PBKS.

This is a man playing with freedom, yes — but also with fire. His calm exterior masks the hunger that drives him. Every boundary feels like a message. Every celebration, a quiet revolt against the doubters.

The Philosophy of a Fighter: “Be Like a Lion”

In the same interview, Iyer shed light on the mentality that sustains him. It’s not built on mantras or motivational quotes — it’s rooted in nature.

“I faced several rejections and failures when I was young… I love to give an example of a lion. I feel connected to that animal and the trait that it possesses.”

The lion analogy is apt. Iyer plays like a predator — calculating, patient, but ready to pounce. He leads with quiet dominance, his decisions often underappreciated, his intent unmistakable.

That spirit — fierce and unyielding — has become the defining feature of Iyer’s brand of cricket.

The Road Ahead: Leading the Hunt

As IPL 2025 gathers momentum, PBKS find themselves in a solid position despite a minor setback — a narrow loss at home to Rajasthan Royals. Their next challenge is a big one: a clash with the Chennai Super Kings at the brand-new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

CSK may be having a rough start, but their legacy demands respect. And Iyer knows it. His team, built on youth, aggression, and unity, will need all of his calm energy and firepower to overcome the yellow brigade.

But if recent form is anything to go by, Iyer seems more than ready.

More Than Just Runs: A Message to Fans

Beyond the scores and victories, what makes Shreyas Iyer’s story truly inspiring is its honesty. In admitting to his tears, he’s reminded us that even champions crack — and that it’s okay. That the weight of expectation is real. That being strong isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting up, again and again, stronger than before.

To the young cricketer facing rejection, the student struggling under pressure, the dreamer doubting their own pace of progress — Iyer’s journey is a gentle reminder that breakdowns don’t mean defeat. Sometimes, they are simply preludes to comebacks.

In the Lion’s Den Now

As the season progresses, fans, critics, and teammates alike are watching Iyer with renewed admiration. He’s not just the captain of PBKS — he’s the face of resilience in Indian cricket today.

He has roared back into relevance, and this time, he’s not backing down.

For Punjab Kings, for India, and for himself — Shreyas Iyer is ready to hunt again.

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