Introduction: In a rain-soaked thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched their spot in the IPL 2025 final, thanks to a breathtaking performance by their skipper, Shreyas Iyer. Dubbed ‘Captain Fantastic’ by teammate Shashank Singh, Iyer’s unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, studded with 5 fours and 8 towering sixes, dismantled Mumbai Indians (MI) in a chase of 204, securing a 5-wicket victory with an over to spare.
The Match Defining Moment: Chasing a daunting 204, Punjab Kings were under pressure after a shaky start. But Iyer, often referred to as ‘Sarpanch’ by PBKS fans for his commanding presence, turned the tide in the 13th over. Facing Reece Topley, he smashed a hat-trick of sixes, each more audacious than the last, shifting the momentum irrevocably. His calculated aggression, paired with a crucial 84-run stand with Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29), dubbed Ludhiana’s Yuvraj Singh, ensured Punjab’s historic entry into their first final in 11 years.
Iyer’s Historic Feat: With this victory, Shreyas Iyer etched his name in IPL lore as the first captain to lead three different teams to the finals—Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024, and now Punjab Kings in 2025. Additionally, he became the first skipper to guide two different teams to consecutive IPL finals, showcasing his tactical acumen and leadership prowess.
Mumbai’s Formidable Total: Earlier, Mumbai Indians posted a challenging 203/6, riding on fiery contributions from Jonny Bairstow (38 off 24), Tilak Varma (44), Suryakumar Yadav (44), and a late blitz by Naman Dhir (37 off 18). Despite a wayward start from Punjab’s bowlers, with Arshdeep Singh being the lone exception in a tight first over, and fielding lapses including a dropped catch of Rohit Sharma by Azmatullah Omarzai, MI capitalized. However, key breakthroughs from Vyshak Vijaykumar and a gritty Yuzvendra Chahal, who dismissed Suryakumar despite nursing an injury, kept Punjab in the game.
Punjab’s Fightback: Punjab’s chase wasn’t without early fireworks. Openers Priyansh Arya (20 off 10) and Josh Inglis (38 off 21) provided a brisk start, with Inglis notably taking 20 runs off Jasprit Bumrah in a rare off-day for the ace pacer. Yet, it was Iyer’s composure and Wadhera’s counterattack that steered PBKS through choppy waters, breaking MI’s unbeaten record of defending 200-plus totals in IPL history.
Looking Ahead: After a crushing defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur, Punjab Kings have a shot at redemption in the final on Tuesday. Skipper Iyer, who opted to field after winning the toss in a rain-delayed match, will aim to lift the coveted trophy and erase the pain of their earlier loss in front of their home crowd. With momentum on their side and a leader like Iyer at the helm, PBKS fans are daring to dream big.
Conclusion: Shreyas Iyer’s masterclass in Qualifier 2 has not only propelled Punjab Kings to a long-awaited IPL final but also redefined leadership in the tournament’s history. As the final looms, one thing is certain—whether it’s his unflinching resolve or his explosive batting, Captain Fantastic has set the stage for an epic showdown. Will Punjab Kings finally claim the IPL crown? Only time will tell, but for now, Ahmedabad’s night belongs to Shreyas Iyer and his fearless brigade.