In the second IPL 2025 qualifier, Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs. Mumbai Indians (MI), Varun Aaron believes PBKS will have a minor advantage in Ahmedabad because to the surface, as their top order performs well there.
“First and foremost, I believe Punjab would look well on the Ahmedabad surface. Both teams will benefit from it, but Punjab will benefit more overall as they depend more on both openers,” Aaron stated on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out program. “That they made it into the top two is good, in my opinion. That is the only game they have. At least their youthful Indian team has witnessed a high-stress, elimination-style match. They now understand the main idea.The things that are necessary and those that are not
“Ricky Ponting has undoubtedly been inside. They can now start over and play this game. Like Shreyas Iyer said [after Qualifier 1], they lost a battle but they haven’t lost the war yet.”.
In the meantime, Tom Moody urged PBKS to put their previous defeat—they lost the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 in New Chandigarh after folding for just 101—beyond and concentrate on the traits that made them one of the season’s best teams. He stated that Punjab “has certainly punched above their weight” and that “you’d never write off Punjab,” even if he thought MI were “definitely favourites” coming into the game.
In New Chandigarh, MI advanced to Qualifier 2 against PBKS on Friday after defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) 228 for 5.Moody stated, “Well, they’ve had a little bit of time to park that disappointment,” in reference to PBKS. They simply need to get back to what has made them successful this year. What is it that has made them a true threat all year long? It’s also clear that many of their uncapped players have performed far better than expected.
“It continues to wrap them in confidence and faith.And they will undoubtedly be competitive if they do it on a solid batting surface. However, following a strong showing in Chandigarh, let’s face it, Mumbai will be coming in hot. and have, in a sense, wiped out every bad thing about their season. They suffered losses early in the tournament, regardless of their individual performance. Their commercial acumen is excellent.
Aaron also emphasised how crucial it is to establish the tone early on in this knockout match.Setting a target was the best course of action, he agreed with Moody.
Punjab would love to set the tone, in my opinion. particularly during a knockout match like this one,” Aaron remarked. “I absolutely concur with Tom that setting the goal is always preferable. Once more, this is also a result of their batting lineup’s extreme inexperience. They do have a strong batting lineup, but they need experience.
In a game like this, pressure can truly get to you.. Setting the goal, applying less pressure, and letting your bowlers do the rest is preferable.