Chennai, May 1, 2025: They say everyone is a lion at home. Yet, in IPL 2025, this adage has crumbled. Chennai Super Kings’ fortress, Chepauk, proved vulnerable, and Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer faltered on his home turf. But away from home, Iyer transformed into a juggernaut. On April 30, Punjab Kings conquered Chepauk, defeating CSK to claim second place on the points table, while CSK became the first team eliminated from playoff contention.

Iyer’s leadership and batting were the cornerstone of this victory. CSK, batting first, set a target of 191. Punjab Kings lost their first wicket at 44, but Iyer strode in and shifted gears. His explosive 72 off 41 balls, studded with 5 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 175.60, powered a four-wicket win. “Away grounds give me freedom. My focus is purely on the game,” Iyer said post-match.

This isn’t Iyer’s first away-ground masterclass. In IPL 2025, he’s scored 360 runs across 10 innings, with 335 coming on away pitches. In six away games, he’s notched four fifties, including a best of 97*. At home, however, his four innings yielded just 25 runs (10, 9, 0, 6). Cricket analyst Sourav Ganguly observes, “Shreyas’ mental resilience makes him unstoppable away. At home, the pressure seems to weigh heavier.”

Iyer’s form is a boon for Punjab Kings, but his struggles at home raise questions about team strategy. Does the home ground expose a tactical flaw? The answer could shape their path to the title. As Punjab Kings ride high, Iyer’s away heroics keep their campaign alive, but unlocking his home potential may be the key to ultimate glory.