Nehal Wadhera had no idea that he would play against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 1st for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the IPL 2025.
In their season opener against the Gujarat Titans (GT), Vijaykumar Vyshak replaced Priyansh Arya as an impact substitute. However, head coach Ricky Ponting advised Wadhera to be prepared to bat in their second game in Lucknow after LSG replaced left-arm spinner M Siddharth with David Miller.
At No. 4, when it was his turn, PBKS had already eliminated 110 of their 172-run target in 10.1 overs. In the company of Shreyas Iyer, Wadhera went out and completed with a polished, undefeated 25-ball 43. With 22 balls remaining, the two helped their team win by adding 67 runs in just 37 balls. Wadhera was so certain he wouldn’t get a look-in that he hadn’t even bothered to bring his entire outfit to work.
“We discuss how players can have an influence, correct? In his post-match briefing, which PBKS posted on their YouTube channel, Ponting stated, “You get an opportunity in a T20 game and it’s all about making an impact on the game and on the contest when you can.” “I am aware that Nehal only brought one shirt with him when he arrived today since he didn’t anticipate playing a significant role in the game.
“When I noticed that they had used a left-arm offspinner as their Impact Sub, I tapped him on the shoulder and told him, ‘You’re going in, mate.'” He fields the final four overs [of the LSG innings]. “Take advantage of the opportunity and play your way,” I advised.
Building on his impressive IPL debut with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2023, when he had played a similar role as a middle-order floater, Wadhera, who was substituted in for Yuzvendra Chahal, struck three fours and four sixes in his innings before making few appearances in MI’s plans in IPL 2024.
Wadhera stated, “It’s a great feeling,” in the PBKS video.
“Iyer bhai is set, so I shouldn’t let pressure get to him,” was my main thought before I batted. And I have to repay Ricky Ponting for his confidence and support.”
In addition to praising Iyer’s captaincy for his undefeated performance, Wadhera expressed his respect for Ponting, saying he had “never heard any negative talk” from him.
Following the LSG match, Wadhera informed the official broadcaster, “All credit goes to the way he [Iyer] is captaining us.” “And also the way he is boosting our confidence and the way he was telling me things like, ‘play your natural game, just go with the flow,’ and I just love playing like that.”
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