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As the IPL 2025 season heats up, all eyes will be on one man this weekend: Shreyas Iyer. The Punjab Kings skipper is set to return to familiar territory as his team takes on the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens today, and the plot couldn’t be juicier.
A Homecoming With a Point to Prove
Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to a title win in 2024, was surprisingly not retained by the franchise. The decision left many fans stunned, and the player himself disheartened. In a candid revelation, Iyer stated he didn’t receive the appreciation he deserved from the management despite delivering their championship.
Now, leading a resurgent Punjab Kings side, the stylish right-hander is reportedly "fired up" to face his former team. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes the occasion could bring out the best in him. “Like KL Rahul when he faced RCB, Iyer will be eager to make a statement against KKR,” Gavaskar said.
Punjab Kings: A Well-Oiled Machine
PBKS have looked like a different unit this season. With five wins in eight matches, they sit comfortably in the top half of the table and are inching closer to a playoff spot. The team has shown remarkable consistency, especially with the bat, and Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy has drawn praise for its calm but aggressive tone.
KKR Struggling to Stay Afloat
On the flip side, it’s been a season to forget so far for the defending champions. KKR have only managed three wins in eight games and sits at seventh in the standings. Their batting has failed to fire under pressure, and the team lacks the balanced look that made them champions last year.
Yet, all hope is not lost. They still have six matches to turn things around.
Moeen Ali Believes in a KKR Comeback
KKR all-rounder Moeen Ali remains optimistic. Drawing parallels with past slow-starters like Mumbai Indians, Moeen said, “We need to think like champions. It’s the halfway point. We must win most of our remaining games, and I believe we can still make it to the playoffs.”
A Battle of Redemption
Today's clash is more than just another league match; it’s a battle of pride, redemption, and unfinished business. Will Shreyas Iyer light up Eden Gardens and remind KKR of what they let go? Or will the Knight Riders bounce back and defend their fortress?
