‘Don’t look at my hundred just play…’ – Shashank Singh reveals Shreyas Iyer’s message ahead of the final over in GT vs PBKS match

Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer played an enterprising knock to stay not out on 97 off just 42 balls. The 30-year-old took Gujarat Titans (GT) bowlers to task in the fifth game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season on Tuesday. The final over of the saw Shashank Singh take strike and scored 23 runs that saw Iyer miss his century. 

Speaking to the host broadcasters at the mid-innings break, Shashank Singh said, "Yes, it was a good cameo. But looking at Shreyas, that motivated me even more. Let me be very honest - Shreyas, from ball one, said don't worry about my hundred!"

The 33-year-old batter also said, “Just watching the ball and reacting to it. I try and make sure I get the boundaries. When you go at that number, it's more likely that you'll not get a good hit. I know the shots I can back. I focus on my strengths rather than things which I can't do."

Shreyas Iyer and Shashank Singh ensure strong finish for Punjab Kings

Mohammed Siraj was tasked with bowling the final over of the innings with PBKS already scoring 220 on the board. The first ball of the over wears hit for a four to the third man region by Shashank Singh. Two runs came off the next ball as third and fourth ball of the over went for two more fours. 

The bowler then bowled a wide ball before being smashed for two more fours to concede 23 runs from the final over. Shashank was not out on 44 runs from just 16 balls with the help of six boundaries and two sixes. All the praise belonged to Iyer who scored his best ever score in the IPL on Tuesday. 

The 30-year-old making his debut as PBKS skipper hit nine huge sixes and five boundaries in his knock of 97. Iyer hit Prasidh Krishna for 24 runs in a singe lover which included three huge sixes and one four. It would have been 28 runs from the over if Rahul Tewatia hadn’t shown presence of mind to save the six. Punjab ended the innings on 243 for the loss of five wickets to post the second highest team total of the season.