In a thrilling encounter at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched a commanding five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2025, securing their spot in the final. Skipper Shreyas Iyer delivered a match-defining performance, scoring an unbeaten 87 runs off just 41 balls, with a flurry of boundaries and towering sixes that left the MI bowlers reeling. PBKS will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the grand finale on Tuesday, a much-anticipated rematch after their earlier clash in Qualifier 1. With MI’s elimination, the IPL is set to crown a first-time champion this season, adding an extra layer of excitement to the summit clash.
As the curtains closed on Mumbai Indians’ campaign, emotions ran high within the camp of the five-time champions. A heartwarming moment captured on camera has since gone viral, showing veteran batter and former captain Rohit Sharma sharing a light-hearted farewell with his teammates. In a touching gesture, Rohit was seen playfully bowing down to young all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar, son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, symbolizing respect and camaraderie. This moment, steeped in warmth, has resonated with fans across social media platforms, highlighting Rohit’s humility despite the bitter disappointment of the loss. Rohit, who has led MI to all their five IPL titles, remains a fan favorite for his leadership and sportsmanship.
Reflecting on the defeat, current MI captain Hardik Pandya was candid in his assessment during the post-match presentation. He lauded Shreyas Iyer’s explosive innings, admitting that MI faltered under pressure when it mattered most. ‘Shreyas played an outstanding knock. The way he took his chances and batted put us on the back foot. It was a par score of around 180-190, but we needed exceptional execution from our bowling unit. They stayed calm and applied pressure, while we couldn’t execute our plans,’ Pandya remarked. He also touched upon the team’s strategic calls, particularly the timing of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s overs. ‘In hindsight, maybe Bumrah bowling the 17th over could have changed things, but it might have been a bit early to bring him on at that stage,’ he added, reflecting on a decision that sparked debate among experts.
Mumbai Indians, who have been a dominant force in IPL history with a record five titles, will now regroup and look ahead to the next season. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, including the likes of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah, MI struggled with consistency in key moments throughout the tournament. Their elimination marks the end of an era of dominance, while PBKS and RCB gear up for a historic clash to claim their maiden IPL trophy. As for Rohit Sharma’s gesture to Arjun Tendulkar, it serves as a reminder of the spirit of cricket—a game where respect and bonds often shine brighter than the scoreboard.