Shreyas Iyer’s June Jinx: From Title-Winning Streak to Double Final Heartbreak
In the world of cricket, fortunes can change as swiftly as a well-timed cover drive, and for Indian batter Shreyas Iyer, June 2025 has been a month of bitter disappointment. Just ten days after leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, only to be outclassed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Iyer faced another crushing defeat. This time, it was in the T20 Mumbai League, where he captained SoBo Mumbai Falcons to the final at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, only to lose to Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals. In both finals, Iyer struggled to make an impact with the bat, a stark contrast to his usually composed and match-winning performances.
Before this double dose of heartbreak, Iyer had crafted an almost impeccable record in title clashes. The 30-year-old right-hander was instrumental in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph, played a pivotal role in India’s Irani Cup victory, and led Kolkata Knight Riders to a dominant IPL 2024 title. His leadership was equally commendable in guiding his state to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and being part of the Indian contingent that clinched the Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year. With five consecutive finals resulting in silverware, Iyer had become synonymous with trophy-laden campaigns—until June turned the tables.
Reflecting on the recent loss in the Mumbai T20 League, an visibly emotional Iyer shared his thoughts post-match. ‘I don’t want to pinpoint any specific moment or individual. The boys were exceptional throughout the tournament. We lost just one game on our way to the final. It’s just one off-day, and I don’t believe in singling out anyone—it feels like backstabbing, and I’m not comfortable with that,’ he said. Despite the sting of defeat, Iyer urged his teammates to hold their heads high. ‘It’s natural to feel dejected after losing a final; I know it hurts. But when they return next year, they’ll carry this extra motivation and confidence. They should take pride in what they’ve achieved,’ he added.
Adding a touch of poignancy to the occasion, Indian cricket icon Rohit Sharma was present at the Wankhede Stadium to hand over the runners-up medal to Iyer. The gesture, while a consolation, underscored the weight of the moment for the young captain who has tasted immense success but now faces the challenge of bouncing back from consecutive setbacks.
As Shreyas Iyer navigates this tough phase, the cricketing world watches keenly. Will this double disappointment fuel a fiercer comeback, or will the weight of these losses linger? Only time will tell. For now, Iyer remains a leader with a proven track record, and his resilience will be key as he prepares for future challenges on both domestic and international fronts.