Shreyas Iyer put in a captain's performance for Punjab Kings against Mumbai Indians, leading them to the Indian Premier League final.
Shreyas Iyer relishes a big occasion and was delighted to step up to the mark to help Punjab Kings reach the Indian Premier League final on Sunday.
He impressed with an unbeaten 87 as he anchored Punjab's innings, helping them to a five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians to set up another meeting with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the showpiece.
Shreyas hit eight sixes in his knock, with four of those coming in the final over as he helped Punjab over the line and into a first final since 2014.
It was his 50th win as a captain in the IPL, and he noted how important it was to remain calm with so much on the line.
"I love such big occasions, and I always say to myself and my colleagues that the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are, and you'll get the best results," he said.
"I was focusing a lot on my breathing rather than sweating out a lot out there.
"All players need to be assertive and show the intent from ball one. It's just that [top order batters] weren't able to capitalise on their starts, but the intent was stupendous.
"Even for me, when I went out there, I had to take some time, but the batsman at the other end was striking pretty well. I know the more time I spend on the field, the better I play, and my vision also gets better."
Punjab, who were thrashed in an eight-wicket defeat by RCB in the first qualifier, are chasing their maiden IPL title, having only reached the final once before.
Shreyas led the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the IPL last season before, surprisingly, being let go ahead of this year’s auction.
He is looking forward to putting in a challenge in Tuesday's final.
"I am very comfortable around the management and everyone around me, and the environment is very positive," he added.
"I am just staying in the moment, cherish the situation, go to the dressing room and celebrate with team-mates getting into the final.
"But in my mind, the job was only half done, so I don't want to think too much about the final. Just go recover, get a massage and be in the right mind space."