In the IPL 2025 final, Punjab Kings (PBKS) lost a very close match to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by just six runs. The match was exciting and went down to the last ball. But the big talking point after the game was the performance of Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer.
Shreyas Iyer got out early in the match, scoring only one run from two balls. His way of getting out was heavily criticized, especially by former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh. Yograj Singh called Iyer’s shot a "criminal offence" and said it was a big mistake at a very important moment in the game.
Iyer was caught behind by the wicketkeeper Romario Shepherd off a ball from the bowler. Yograj Singh said this was an unacceptable shot, and even compared it to a serious crime under "Section 302," saying that such mistakes deserve a two-match ban. He also said there was no excuse or apology for the shot Iyer played.
This harsh criticism shows how much pressure players face in big games like the IPL final, where every run matters. Punjab Kings were hoping to win their first IPL trophy, but Iyer’s early dismissal hurt their chances badly.
The IPL final was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, one of the biggest cricket stadiums in the world. RCB batted first after Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bowl. RCB scored a total of 190 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs.
Punjab Kings started their chase well with good scores from players like Priyansh Arya (24 runs) and Prabhsimran Singh (26 runs). Middle-order batsmen Josh Inglis (39 runs) and Shashank Singh (61 not out) also played important roles, keeping Punjab in the game. Shashank Singh played an exciting 22 runs in the last over, but it was not enough.
Despite the strong finish by Shashank Singh, Punjab Kings could only reach 184 runs for 7 wickets by the end of 20 overs. They lost by just six runs, a very narrow margin. The early loss of Shreyas Iyer was seen as a turning point because it put extra pressure on the other batsmen.
RCB’s bowlers were praised for their performance, especially Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson, and Yuzvendra Chahal, who made it difficult for Punjab’s batsmen to score freely. On the other side, Krunal Pandya shined with the ball, taking two wickets and winning the Player of the Match award for his great bowling.
While RCB players and fans celebrated their first-ever IPL trophy after 18 years, a tragic incident happened in Bengaluru. A stampede occurred during the RCB title celebrations, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people and many others getting injured. The stampede created a sad moment amid the joy of the victory.
The RCB team and their fans came under criticism because the police said the event did not fully follow safety rules. The franchise is now facing questions about crowd control and safety measures during their celebrations.
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In big tournaments like the IPL, the role of the captain is very important. The captain leads the team, makes key decisions, and inspires players. Shreyas Iyer, as captain of Punjab Kings, was expected to play a strong role in guiding his team to victory.
However, his early dismissal in the final put Punjab Kings under pressure. When the captain gets out cheaply, it can affect the morale of the team. The criticism from Yograj Singh shows how much fans and experts expect from leaders in high-pressure matches.
Still, many experts and fans also recognize that cricket is a team game. One player’s mistake cannot be blamed for the entire loss. Punjab Kings had many good performances, but RCB’s bowlers and batsmen were just better on the day.
After this final, Shreyas Iyer will likely face more scrutiny. Criticism from former players like Yograj Singh can affect a player’s confidence, but it can also be a motivation to improve.
Iyer has been an important player for Punjab Kings for several seasons. He is known for his aggressive batting and good captaincy skills. Fans hope he learns from this experience and comes back stronger.
Meanwhile, the IPL continues to be one of the most popular cricket leagues worldwide, with many talented players and exciting matches.
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