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"Nobody Took Them Seriously" Gavaskar's Bold Remark On PBKS Amid IPL Dominance

Akshita Patel

Gavaskar praises PBKS [Source: @kohliception, @Raja_Prasad_Ydv/X/com]Gavaskar praises PBKS [Source: @kohliception, @Raja_Prasad_Ydv/X/com]

The Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, pulled off a stunning seven-wicket win over the Mumbai Indians on Monday in Jaipur, confirming their place in the top 2 of the IPL 2025 points table for the first time in 11 years. Apart from fans, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar was equally moved by the team’s resurgence.

Chasing a target of 185, young opener Priyansh Arya impressed everyone with a mature knock of 62 off just 35 balls. He smashed 7 sixes and showed great confidence for a newcomer.

Josh Inglis also played a brilliant innings, scoring 73 off 42 balls. They put on 109 runs for the third wicket and made the chase easy for the team. Captain Shreyas Iyer finished the game with a big six. He was unbeaten on 26 off 16 balls.

Sunil Gavaskar Sees PBKS As Strong Title Contender

With this win, PBKS is now playing Qualifier 1, which means that they will have 2 chances to go through to the final. After the match, former cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar praised the Punjab Kings. 

"Nobody took Punjab Kings seriously. They have also picked wisely at the auction, where they got lot of young, uncapped Indian players. They have seen them. They have seen what they have done, where they have done. There are so many of these state leagues which are happening but you cant always go by what's happening in the state leagues. The bowling attacks may not always be good," Gavaskar told Sports NDTV.

He applauded the team for picking the right players at the auction, especially young Indian talents like Priyansh Arya. Gavaskar added that the team also made smart choices with their overseas players. 

"Even then if somebody like a Priyansh Arya hits seven sixes you know that this guy has talent. Picking the international players too. They have done it really well. Full marks to them. Really happy for them. I told you before the start of the match that a new name will be written on the trophy, well," he added.

This is the first time Punjab Kings have reached the playoffs since 2014. With their current form and strong team effort, they now look like serious contenders to win their first-ever IPL title.

The Qualifier 1 will be held at the Kings’ home ground in Mullanpur on May 29. MI, on the other hand, will play in the Eliminator on May 30 at the same venue.

Ex-Cricketer Predicts Punjab’s Entry In Finals

Speaking on JioHotstar, former cricketer Robin Uthappa predicted a blockbuster IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. Reflecting on Punjab's revival and RCB's sustained momentum with the bowling attack now 'increasingly fortifying', Uthappa said both teams have hit their peak at the right time. 

He cited Josh Inglis, Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer leadership as a vital piece to Punjab's title challenge. On RCB, he pointed out their momentum and improved bowling, with Kohli’s consistency and Hazlewood’s return being crucial. He said both teams have peaked at the right time, making them strong contenders for this year’s IPL crown.