Moments after Punjab Kings produced another clinical run chase to overhaul a 200-plus target against Chennai Super Kings on Friday, captain Shreyas Iyer highlighted the team’s aggressive approach at the top and a dressing-room culture built on self-driven standards.

This marked the ninth time Punjab have successfully chased down a 200-plus total in the IPL, underlining their growing reputation in high-scoring chases. The foundation for the chase was laid in the powerplay, where Priyansh Arya came out with clear intent and took the attack to the opposition.

Drafted in as a substitute, Arya made an immediate impact by going after Khaleel Ahmed in the opening over, striking boundaries and a six to set the tone. He carried that momentum into the next over, attacking Matt Henry with a flurry of strokes that helped him race to 25 off just six balls.

By the time Punjab crossed fifty in just 3.2 overs, Arya had already stamped his authority on the contest, eventually finishing with a rapid 39 off 11 deliveries.

At the other end, Iyer paced the innings to perfection. After a watchful start, he shifted gears seamlessly, bringing up a 26-ball half-century and ensuring there were no disruptions in the chase. His knock provided the stability required after the early burst and allowed the rest of the batting unit to play with freedom.

“Obviously, there is a worry before getting onto the field. But the way we started today, I think it was an exceptional start. Priyansh and Prabh are doing the job at the start and setting the bench for us to go inside. I feel that the way they have been batting for years now stabilises the rhythm for us. I am glad that everyone is getting to bat in the first two games. It gives us confidence. Whenever we are stuck in a pressure situation, people know how to go about it. It is not planned. But we just decided inside the dressing room that we want to impress each other rather than anyone outside. A certain sort of clarity as well,” said Iyer after the match.

Despite posting a competitive 209/5, CSK were unable to defend the total, with their bowlers struggling to contain the flow of runs. The early onslaught from Punjab put them on the back foot, and they were unable to recover as the innings progressed.

Reflecting on the importance of the start, Iyer added, “Absolutely. Getting 39 off 11 balls, that is the start you need chasing 208. I think it was better to bat on. The way we started, it was 25 off 3 overs, and suddenly they picked from there. Over rate is something we need to look at. Five fielders coming in the last two overs is the only part we need to look at.”

He also had words of praise for senior spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, particularly for his ability to deliver in key moments. “I feel that we all know how good Dube is against spin. There were many domestic players who are good against spin. Yuzi, we know how impressive he has been over the years. He is one of the best bowlers in IPL. Whenever I am in doubt, I go to him.”

Shreyas Iyer penalised for slow over-rate offence

The win, however, came with a penalty as Iyer was fined for a slow over-rate offence.

“As this was his team’s second offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Iyer was fined Rs 24 lakh. The rest of the members of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, will be fined either Rs 6 lakh or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser,” IPL said in a statement.