A week ago, Punjab Kings left the cricketing fraternity stunned with a stunning run chase in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League 2025 against Mumbai Indians. At the forefront of this effort was skipper Shreyas Iyer, who played an innings to remember of 87* from a mere 41 balls at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. His brilliance took Punjab to the IPL final, even though their journey was halted in disappointment by a defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3.

Following the ferocious battle against Mumbai, the emotions remained charged as the players greeted each other with traditional handshakes. It was in this instant that Iyer was seen lashing out at teammate Shashank Singh using harsh words in what seemed like an animated argument. Shashank later reported that the tantrum was a result of his own carefree nature at a pivotal moment of the match, and one that could have been expensive. Though the incident created a tense situation, he subsequently ate with Iyer for dinner, acknowledging that the rebuke was warranted.

Shashank openly accepted his loss of concentration and went further to say, "I deserve it; Iyer should have slapped me; my father didn't speak to me till the finals." He admitted, "I was casual; I was walking on the beach, not even in the garden." It was an important moment; Shreyas was firm that I didn't expect this from you, but afterwards he treated me to dinner." The event did not have any impact on their personal equation, reflecting the leadership and maturity of the Punjab Kings captain. 

Praise for a Leader Who Leads with Balance

Even in the wake of the incident, Shashank Singh praised Shreyas Iyer's captaincy to the hilt and labeled him the best captain of present times in world cricket. "Whatever I have told others and witnessed, there is no better captain than him at present times in world cricket," he opined. He pressed upon how Iyer allows his teammates freedom along with accountability, forming a well-balanced atmosphere in which all find a place and are motivated to perform."

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Shashank further commented, "He gives us space; he treats everybody alike. Nobody will say, Shreyas has an attitude. The young ones in the dressing room can get along with him as a chill bandaa (chill guy). Shreyas is the lone captain, who informed us that if somebody has any idea while playing, he can come and tell it to him". If he thinks it's the right counsel, he will accept it. It's not common." This mix of authority and accessibility has turned Shreyas Iyer into one of the most well-respected and successful captains in contemporary cricket.