IPL 2025: Suryash Shej of Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer’s Protect, ‘Idol’ eye meeting with Virat Kohli. Cricket news

New Delhi: Shreyas Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane grew up, young Mumbai batsman Suryash Shej Carving on its way. After making his white-ball debut under Iyer and played red-ball cricket under Rahane, talented all-rounder is now gearing up for a new chapter-one that he hopes that he will take him to his idol Virat Kohli.
Swashbuckling was chosen by Mumbai batsman, a pacer, Punjab kings But for 30 lakh rupees IPL 2025 auction.

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The shed first caught a spotlight during the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, where he gave the match winning performances at a blistering strike rate. An important contributor to Mumbai’s title winning campaign, he scored 131 runs in nine matches at a shocking strike rate of 131.92, breaking 13 sixes. His all -round talent also saw him taking eight wickets.
One of the most prestigious moments of the tournament came during a Smat quarter-finals against Widharbh when India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav bowed down to the shed after his amazing knock.

Walking at number 6 with 60 runs off 24 balls, Shej scored 36 runs in just 12 delivery (four sixes, one four), powering Mumbai in the semi -finals.
He was in his explosive best in the finals, as well as rescued Mumbai to win the title with 15 balls with a sensational 36. His heroes gave him the Player of the Match Award at the Summit Clash.
In domestic cricket, his association and strength-marne paved the way for an IPL contract.
Shej started her IPL against Titans in Gujarat, but did not get a chance to bat. However, the 22-year-old, keeping his eyes on the big picture-shares the grounds with them when the Punjab Kings face the Royal Challengers Bangalore on 18 and 20 April.
Timesofindia.com caught the year with Suryash Shej and to discuss his journey under Rahane, his dream of success and his dream of meeting Virat. Part:

Suryash Shej was acquired by Punjab Kings for Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction. (Image: PBK)

How important was Shreyas in helping you secure an IPL contract with Punjab Kings? After being played below for Mumbai, did you receive a call before the auction?
No, I did not get a call from him, so I am not sure about his role in my selection. But I can only say that he is someone I see, and playing under it has always been fun. I played two white-ball tournaments under his leadership, and we won the championship in one of them. The way he manages his players, the atmosphere that he creates, and whatever we share shares – it all comes from the captain. A lot of credit goes to him.
In the match against Gujarat Titans, Shreyas was at 97, but still encouraged Shashank Singh to go out in the last six balls instead of focusing on his century. Can you remember another example where Shreyas prioritized the team on a personal milestone?
A moment that comes to mind is a Vijay Hazare Trophy game against Hyderabad. We were chasing a relatively low goal, and the credit was usually bats at number 3 or 4, but they propagated us the youth ahead of them and came to number 8 or 9. This is just a selfless player who is he. This has always been the case, which is why it has been so successful. That mentality – to always keep the team first – something that I belong to. Both of us believe that the team comes first, and that’s why we have made a relationship so well. Over the years, he has always placed his team above a personal milestone, and this attitude is contagious.
As a captain of a franchise, his leadership will affect every player in the squad, and we will all achieve it.

Suryakumar Yadav (R) Dhanush to Suryash Shed during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

A picture of Suryakumar Yadav went viral to bow down to you after Mumbai’s smat victory. Can you share the story behind that moment? What did it mean to you?
That picture means the world for me because I have seen it on repeating it. When the current Indian T20 captain gives you excessive rates, it increases your confidence and keeps you comfortably. The IPL is happening so soon, everything looked like a tornado, but that moment made it even more special. After sharing the dressing room with so many great people, it is a lot to me to get that gesture from it.
Would you say that your batting style resembles Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, or Shreyas Iyer?
I will not compare my batting view to any current cricketer – I am my own player. Each of them has a unique style, and you can learn a lot by looking at them. I have raised things from all, but my game style is my own. Shreyas Bhaiya plays differently, Rohit Bhaiya plays differently, and Surya Bhaiya plays differently. There is a lot to learn, and I try to include those lessons in my intentions, practice sessions and matches. But I never deliberately tried to repeat anyone’s batting style when I am out of there.
Which cricketers are you, which you admire the most, and why?
I praise Virat Bhaiya with Ben Stokes and Shreyas Bhaiya. I personally know Shreyas now – he is someone you can see as a player and as a human being. The way he talks to you and we have a conversation about cricket, even away from the field, shows how emotional he is. You can feel her enthusiasm, and it is contagious.
Virat Bhaiya is a chase master – I have learned a lot from seeing him for years. For Ben Stokes, I admire his mindset. Whenever the team needs him, he moves, whether it is batting, bowling, fielding, or captaincy. He has done everything for his country, and has to learn a lot from it. So, these are the three players I really see.
You have mentioned your praise for Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes. Have you ever got a chance to meet him or interact with Hardik?
I never met Ben Stokes, but I have met Hardik Pandya. He can’t remember, but I have! He has a different aura – you can feel it when you are around him. The game he has won for India speaks about his character and how well he has prepared himself for where he is today.
Punjab Kings are yet to face RCB, where you will go against Virat Kohli. You have talked about him first – how do you feel about meeting him on the field? Do you have any plan or specific things you want to discuss with him?
If I get a chance to talk to him, I ask how he manages to perform at such a high level. You have to give credit to someone who has given a lot to the country. They have done it for years, and whenever the team needs them, they are there.
I would love to choose her mind how she operates himself, how he prepares, and how he builds his innings. He opens the innings, remains unbeaten so often, and maintains such a high strike rate – it is commendable. There is a lot to learn from him. It would be untrue to share the area with him. I don’t think I will believe it at first when I see him standing there, but it was to happen someday, and I am just blessed that this is happening this year.

The 22 -year -old Suryash Shej was named a late replacement for Jaydev Undkat among the Lucknow super veterans in IPL 2023, but the game was not found. He is now in Punjab Kings. (Image: PBK)

How did you contribute to your development as a cricketer by playing domestic cricket and sharing the dressing room with senior Mumbai players?
Playing with such individuals teaches you a lot. You see how they live, how they contact their sports and fields away from their lifestyle. At this stage, the skill difference is not very large – this is a mental aspect that separates players. Those who can perform under pressure are strong.
Shareing the dressing room with the great, especially famous Mumbai players who have played at the highest level, I get an advantage when facing challenging situations. I have already chosen his mind how he contacts various scenarios. I can’t share everything on camera, but I have learned a lot.
How valuable is the presence of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in domestic cricket for young cricketers in terms of experience and development?
This has helped us a lot. When you share or play the dressing room with some players, you inspect their preparation, pre-matches and mentality in various situations.
For example, if I am in a dugout waiting for the bat and Surya Bhaiya is sitting next to me, our conversation helps me understand what needs to be done and how to see the game. These experiences prepare you for the future so that when you are on your own, you know what to do really to do. It gives you a lot of clarity.
You have often credited Abhishek Nair to shape your career. Now that he is a part of the coaching staff of the Indian team, have you talked to him about the aspirations to play for India?
Every cricketer dreams of playing for India. At some point, whenever we close our eyes, we all have imagined ourselves to wear that jersey.
I have been lucky to work together with someone who thinks what it seems to play at this level. I have been with her for almost three years, and she knows how things actually work. He is someone whom I can follow with closed eyes. No matter how many questions I have, I can always go to him and ask independently.
This infection in senior cricket from junior cricket was difficult, but Abhishek sir helped me a lot. I also talk to my childhood coach Manish Banra Sir, who laid the foundation of my technology. And I have also interacted with Monty Desai Sir. But when it comes to reducing the gap between junior and senior cricket, Abhishek sir’s guidance has been invaluable. Their approach to the game is different, and you can feel it when you participate in their practice sessions. I really enjoy training under it and learn from him.
Did Abhishek Nair say something special to you after making it for the Indian cricket team?
Our conversation is going on. Whenever I get stuck somewhere, I go to her, and whenever she feels that I need to improve, he contacts me. He will tell me what should be done, and I close it with closed. In this way our relationship works.