Jaipur, May 18 (UNI) "He made a big difference for Punjab Kings," said spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi, as he hailed left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar’s match-defining spell in Punjab Kings’ 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Sunday.
Brar returned figures of 3 for 22 in four overs, triggering a middle-order collapse that derailed Rajasthan’s chase of 220 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
“I think he has been very consistent. Last year, too, he bowled really well. Whenever he has received the opportunity, he has performed. And today as well, he delivered exactly when we needed him,” Joshi said at the post-match press conference.
After electing to bat, Punjab Kings lost early wickets but were steadied by Nehal Wadhera’s fluent 70 off 37 balls, who built key partnerships with captain Shreyas Iyer (30) and Shashank Singh (59*), while Azmatullah Omarzai’s quick 21* helped them post a competitive 219 for five in 20 overs.
Rajasthan Royals started their chase strongly with a 76-run opening stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (50) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (40), but Harpreet Brar’s timely wickets shifted momentum. Despite a fighting 53 from Dhruv Jurel, disciplined bowling from Punjab restricted Rajasthan to 209 for seven, sealing a 10-run victory for the visitors.
Joshi praised Iyer’s leadership as well, calling him a "positive leader and a street-smart cricketer." "He knows when to make subtle changes and how to rotate bowlers effectively. His experience in domestic cricket and his rapport with the players make a real difference," he added.
At the post-match presentation, Iyer lauded Brar’s mindset and work ethic. "He was hungry for this opportunity and today he stepped up and delivered. The boys returned fresh and focused after the break, and we showed the mindset needed to win under pressure," the skipper said.
Brar, who was named Player of the Match, dedicated the award to his wife, calling it his "first after marriage."
He also shared insights into his preparation with head coach Ricky Ponting. "Ponting Sir told me that a leftie can get a leftie out. I knew they would come after me, but I stuck to my strengths and focused on not giving away easy balls," he said.
Punjab Kings will now face Delhi Capitals at the same venue on Saturday.
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