“I Was Shocked Too!” – Nehal Wadhera Stuns on Surprise PBKS Debut in IPL 2025

Mumbai batsman Nehal Wadhera admitted he had no prior warning about his Punjab Kings (PBKS) debut after being thrust into the playing XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 23-year-old left-hander, bought for ₹20 lakh in the 2025 auction, became IPL’s latest “overnight sensation” with a whirlwind 18-ball 32 in his unexpected first match.

Wadhera’s Wild Day

The 24-Hour Whirlwind

• April 1 (8 PM IST): Chowing down at the team hotel—no whisper of a call-up.
• April 2 (12 PM IST): Bombshell in the huddle: “You’re in.”
• April 2 (7:30 PM IST): Strolls out at No. 4, with PBKS needing a spark.

His Raw Reaction

“I thought it was a prank! My mom was in tears watching me on TV—she had no idea either.”
— Nehal Wadhera, post-match chat with Star Sports

How Wadhera Grabbed His Moment

Debut Knock Highlights

• First Ball: Tentative poke at Arshdeep Singh—nerves on show.
• Game-Changer: Blasted Ravi Bishnoi for two sixes in a 22-run over.
• Strike Rate: 172—tops for PBKS in the chase.

Beyond the Stats

• Pulled PBKS from 44/1 to a comfy 8-wicket win alongside Shreyas Iyer (52*).
• Outshone opener Priyansh Arya’s 8 off 10.
• #WadheraWonder trended hard on X—fans went wild.

Why PBKS Rolled the Dice

Coach’s Take

“We needed a lefty to shake up LSG’s spin game. Nehal was smashing it in the nets—six sixes in one session sealed it.”
— Sanjay Bangar, PBKS Cricket Director

Behind-the-Scenes Grind

• Hidden Prep: Hammered 15 overs a day in secret net drills.
• Numbers Backing: Boasts a 142 strike rate vs. spin in domestic T20s.

What’s Next for the Shock Star?

Coming Up

• Likely locked in for the April 5 clash vs. Rajasthan Royals—two wins in two keeps him hot.
• Could slide up to open if Prabhsimran Singh (69 off 34 vs. LSG) falters.

Long-Term Buzz

• MI’s Oops?: Mumbai Indians cut him loose post-2024—regrets brewing?
• India A Watch: Selectors eyeing “powerplay busters”—Wadhera’s on the radar.

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