Punjab Kings were subjected to a brutal onslaught in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru came out with unrelenting aggression and precision at Mullanpur on Thursday. With every passing over, the pressure mounted, and Punjab’s batting unit crumbled under the weight of expectation and RCB’s fiery pace attack.

At the heart of their troubles was their captain and leading run-scorer, Shreyas Iyer, who once again faltered at his home venue. Iyer, who has been the cornerstone of Punjab’s batting lineup throughout the season, was expected to anchor the innings after early setbacks. However, he became the latest victim of his long-standing struggle at Mullanpur and his personal nemesis, Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood, known for his disciplined line and ability to exploit even the slightest weakness, struck early and decisively. The Australian pacer had already built a psychological edge over Iyer prior to this clash, having dismissed him three times in five previous IPL encounters. The numbers told a grim story, Iyer had managed just nine runs off 19 deliveries against Hazlewood, with a strike rate of 47.36.