Cricket fans all over are talking about Shreyas Iyer after his unbeaten 87 helped Punjab Kings win against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2. The match was at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Iyer’s big effort helped Punjab chase down a target of 204 with an over to spare. This victory sends Punjab into their first IPL final in 11 years, and they are just one win away from their first championship. But former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin isn’t fully sold on how much credit Iyer should get. He pointed out that three other players made big impacts but haven’t been recognized enough.

On his YouTube show 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin said that while Iyer played a key role and hit boundaries when needed, his popularity might have overshadowed others like Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis, and Priyansh Arya. These players also played important parts in the win.

Ashwin was especially impressed by Inglis’ 20-run over against Jasprit Bumrah, which slowed Mumbai’s plans. It prevented Bumrah from picking up a wicket in the powerplay and hurt Mumbai’s chances. The over cost Bumrah 20 runs and changed how the game went, Ashwin explained.

He praised Inglis for hitting a six on a slower ball on the leg side and then waiting to hit another over third man. Bumrah had no choice but to pitch it full and hard. That over swung the game in Punjab’s favor. “I liked how Iyer finished, but Inglis and Wadhera made the real difference,” Ashwin said.

Inglis scored 38 off 21 balls, and Wadhera made a quick 48 off 29, keeping Punjab on track during the chase.

But Ashwin also pointed out that Mumbai was short by at least 15 runs on that pitch. Australia’s Matthew Hayden agreed during his commentary on Star Sports.

He said Mumbai needed at least 220 runs to feel safe on that ground. Playing on a red-soil pitch in Ahmedabad makes that a tough target. “Hayden said the same thing during the break,” Ashwin added.

Ashwin also praised Priyansh Arya for his fast start. He scored 20 off just 10 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six. Arya’s quick knock helped Punjab get momentum early, giving Iyer and others a chance to settle in. Ashwin believes Arya could soon be playing for the Indian team after this IPL run.

“There’s a star in Punjab, Priyansh Arya. We might see a lot of him in Indian cricket soon. Today, he was out early in the powerplay, but his quick 20 gave Punjab the boost they needed. His innings gave Iyer space to stay calm and lead the chase,” he said.

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