Punjab Kings' players were seen smearing cake on one another to celebrate their victory in their opening game of IPL 2025 on Tuesday against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Young batter Priyansh Arya was seen cutting the cake as he played a starring role in their 11-run victory in what was a high-scoring contest.
Shreyas Iyer, who made his debut as Punjab Kings' skipper, played a fearless knock of 97 off 42 deliveries that was laced with nine sixes and five fours. Shashank Singh had also later revealed that the skipper was least concerned with his hundred as the former played an invaluable hand of 44 from 16 deliveries that helped Punjab reach a match-winning score of 243. With the ball, Arshdeep Singh snared figures of 4-0-36-2 to close out the game for Punjab.
Watch the below video as PBKS' players celebrate their victory:
"I got four off the first ball, and that gave an immense boost" - Shreyas Iyer
Iyer, who also earned the Player of the Match award, said the first-ball boundary gave him a massive confidence boost and credited their pre-season preparations for the victory.
"Ecstatic, to be honest. Getting 97* in the first match is always the icing on the cake. No better feeling to be honest. It was important for me to go ahead and adapt. I got four off the first ball, and that gave an immense boost. Before the season started, we left no stone unturned. Everyone chips in with their mindset. There's everyone participating and showing interest."
Punjab will next square up against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 1st, Tuesday at the Ekana Stadium.
