Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper and Indian cricket star Shreyas Iyer is known for his explosive batting, calm demeanour under pressure, and fierce leadership on the field. But behind the confident exterior lies a story of raw emotion and self-expectation that recently came to light. In a candid interview posted on PBKS’ official X handle and app, Iyer opened up about a deeply distressing moment ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 — a time when frustration turned into tears, marking a rare and emotional chapter in his cricketing journey.
Shreyas Iyer’s breakdown in Dubai
It was supposed to be another step in a successful run. Iyer had just wrapped up a phenomenal series against England at home, where he piled up 181 runs in three ODIs, boasting an average over 60 and a strike rate north of 120. With two crisp half-centuries, he looked set to replicate his form on the world stage at the Champions Trophy. But the practice wickets in Dubai had other plans.
“Last time I cried was during Champions Trophy. First practice session. Like, literally crying, crying, I was so angry at myself that I started crying. And I was also shocked that I do not cry so easily,” Iyer confessed to actress Sahiba Bali, who was hosting the segment on Punjab Kings YouTube channel.
This wasn’t the reaction of a rookie; it was the emotional release of a top-tier cricketer battling internal expectations. Iyer admitted that his batting in that net session fell far short of what he envisioned. Coming off such a high from the England series, he was blindsided by the challenge of adapting to Dubai’s slow and tricky surfaces.
Sarpanch Saab’s passion for the game… 🥹🤌🏻
Watch the full heartfelt conversation between Shreyas Iyer and Sahiba Bali on our YT channel and Punjab Kings App. 📹 pic.twitter.com/t1PBDtCY6M
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 7, 2025
The anger of excellence
For Iyer, it wasn’t just about missing out on runs in a practice session — it was about falling short of his own high standards. “I had to do a little extra and I didn’t get extra batting. So I got really angry,” he added. That denial of more practice time added fuel to his frustration.
Yet, true to his nature, Iyer channeled that disappointment into determination. The result? A stellar performance at the Champions Trophy, where he emerged as India’s second-highest run-getter and overall second in the tournament with 243 runs in five matches. With two half-centuries and a best score of 79, Iyer turned his tears into a triumphant campaign.
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From setback to stardom: Iyer’s comeback trail
Iyer’s resilience didn’t just shine in the blue of India — he carried it into his domestic and IPL campaigns. After being dropped from the BCCI central contract list in 2024, Iyer bounced back with one of the most memorable comebacks in recent times.
He captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title, played a match-winning 95 in Mumbai’s 42nd Ranji Trophy title win, and added both the Irani Cup and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to his cabinet — all within a year.
And now, in IPL 2025, he’s off to a fiery start with PBKS. In just three matches, Iyer has amassed 159 runs at a surreal average of 159.00 and a strike rate of over 206. Two half-centuries, including a blistering 97*, underline a man in peak form and frame of mind.
Iyer’s belief beyond the boundary
Speaking about how he deals with adversity, Iyer gave fans a glimpse into his mindset. “It has been natural. 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,” he concluded.
His spirit — fierce, unyielding, and unshaken by setbacks — has become the hallmark of his cricket. It’s this inner belief that continues to drive Iyer, both as a player and as a leader of a hungry PBKS side.
As IPL 2025 rolls on, PBKS will look to shake off their first loss of the season — a home defeat to Rajasthan Royals — when they take on the Chennai Super Kings at the new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. While CSK have had a rocky start, PBKS will be wary of a team with championship pedigree.
