In the high-pressure world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), it’s rare for moments of brilliance to go unnoticed. But when it comes to Shreyas Iyer and his remarkable ability to read a game, one instance in particular stands out from the 2025 IPL season. Delhi Capitals’ head coach, Ricky Ponting, revealed a key moment in a match against Gujarat Titans (GT) where Iyer’s decision-making turned the tide in favor of his team, showcasing not only his cricketing acumen but also his leadership qualities. Ponting’s insight into the exchange between him and Iyer highlights the crucial role of communication, tactical thinking, and a calm approach under pressure—qualities that have defined Iyer as a rising star in world cricket.
The Context: A High-Stakes IPL Encounter
In the 2025 IPL season, Delhi Capitals were facing a formidable Gujarat Titans side, known for their consistency and strong tactical execution. GT had posted a competitive total, and Delhi, with a strong lineup, was gearing up for a chase. However, as the game progressed, the pressure was mounting, and the run rate began climbing. With Delhi needing quick runs, it became clear that they would have to take some risks to stay in the game.
In these kinds of situations, the importance of strong decision-making cannot be overstated, and this is where Shreyas Iyer’s calmness and cricketing IQ came into play. Ponting, known for his tactical acumen as a former Australian captain and current coach, had to trust his players’ instincts, and in this particular instance, Iyer’s response to the situation proved to be a game-changing moment.
Ponting’s Message to Iyer: The Key Decision-Making Moment
Ricky Ponting, reflecting on the critical moment in the game, revealed that he had sent a simple but significant message to Iyer in the middle of the innings: “What do you want to do?” This message, according to Ponting, was part of his strategy to gauge Iyer’s mindset in a tense situation and understand how he was reading the game. Ponting has always believed in giving players the freedom to make crucial decisions during matches, trusting their cricketing instincts and experience. The coach knew that in high-pressure situations, players must feel empowered to take ownership of the game, and Iyer was the perfect candidate for this kind of responsibility.
Iyer’s response to the message was a masterstroke—he asked for the promotion of a lower-order batsman to the top of the order. The rationale was simple: the player in question had been in excellent form during the net sessions and had the ability to strike big in a chase. Iyer, ever the tactician, realized that this could shift the momentum in Delhi’s favor. His decision to promote a batsman known for his aggressive stroke play was a calculated risk, but one that reflected his confidence in his team and his awareness of the game’s shifting dynamics.
The Masterstroke: Promotion of a Lower-Order Batsman
The brilliance of Iyer’s decision was in the simplicity of it. In most cases, captains and coaches tend to stick to traditional batting orders, especially during high-pressure chases. However, by promoting a player who could accelerate the run rate from the start, Iyer disrupted the conventional approach and injected urgency into the innings. This tactic was not about trying to ensure stability; rather, it was about shaking things up and seizing the initiative, which had been slipping away.
Ponting noted that Iyer’s tactical acumen was what made the difference in this game. While it might seem like a bold move, it was a calculated one. In T20 cricket, where each ball counts, the ability to shift gears and change the pace of the game is critical. By bringing in a batsman capable of clearing the ropes, Iyer not only bought time for the middle order but also gave Delhi the much-needed momentum to close in on the target.
Iyer’s Leadership and Game Awareness
Shreyas Iyer’s leadership qualities have been widely praised throughout his career, particularly in his time with Delhi Capitals in the IPL. This moment in the match against Gujarat Titans was another example of how Iyer leads by example and isn’t afraid to take calculated risks when necessary. His ability to stay calm and think through the game’s dynamics allowed him to make decisions that weren’t dictated by fear of failure but rather by a strategic, long-term view of the match.
Ponting emphasized that Iyer’s calmness in making this decision, and his ability to think beyond the obvious, are what set him apart from other players. In high-stress situations, many players might opt for conventional approaches, but Iyer’s thinking demonstrated his deep understanding of the game and his ability to make quick yet effective decisions.
The Impact of the Decision: Turning the Tide
The decision to promote the lower-order batsman paid off almost immediately. The batsman came in and unleashed a barrage of big hits, reducing the required run rate and forcing the Gujarat bowlers onto the back foot. This shift in momentum was exactly what Delhi needed. The quick acceleration not only relieved some of the pressure but also allowed the more established batsmen to come in and play their natural game without the burden of needing to take excessive risks.
Ponting’s decision to entrust Iyer with this responsibility—and Iyer’s subsequent masterstroke—was a perfect example of how leadership is about making the right calls at the right time. The tactical switch proved decisive, as it forced Gujarat Titans to reassess their bowling strategy and field placements. The momentum had shifted, and with a few more clever shots and boundary-laden overs, Delhi found themselves closing in on the target.
The Role of Iyer’s Cricketing Intelligence
Iyer’s decision to take charge in this situation wasn’t just about the technicalities of batting order or statistics—it was about his ability to read the game and understand the bigger picture. His calmness under pressure and his sharp cricketing mind allowed him to make a decision that altered the course of the match. In T20 cricket, where momentum plays such a pivotal role, Iyer’s ability to spark a turnaround with a single tactical move highlighted his leadership and cricketing intelligence.
As Ponting observed, the decision to communicate with Iyer during the match was a reflection of his trust in the captain. Ponting, who has been a leader of the highest order, understood that leadership doesn’t always have to be authoritative or rigid. At times, it requires a more flexible approach, one that recognizes the importance of empowering players to take the reins and make decisions based on their understanding of the game. This dynamic collaboration between coach and captain—where trust is key—demonstrated how modern-day leadership is a balance between experience, communication, and tactical innovation.
Table of Contents
Conclusion: The Bigger Picture
Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, cricketing intelligence, and ability to make bold decisions have been crucial to Delhi Capitals’ success, and this match against Gujarat Titans is just one example. By trusting his instincts and making a decisive move to promote a lower-order batsman, Iyer showcased a level of tactical thinking that is rare in modern-day cricket.
Ricky Ponting’s revelation about the exchange with Iyer demonstrates the importance of communication and trust in leadership. It’s not just about the decisions made, but about the collaborative process that allows for such decisions to be executed effectively. The success of Iyer’s masterstroke was not just about the runs scored in that over, but about how it influenced the mindset of his teammates and the opposition.
This moment will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining example of Iyer’s leadership in IPL 2025, cementing his reputation not just as a skilled batsman, but as a tactician who is willing to take the risks necessary to turn a game around. The partnership between Ponting and Iyer, built on mutual respect and understanding, could prove to be the key to Delhi Capitals’ continued success in the future.
