Shreyas Iyer Leads Punjab Kings to Historic IPL Final: A Record-Breaking Milestone in Cricket History!

In a season that has seen its fair share of drama, high-octane clashes, and individual brilliance, Shreyas Iyer has etched his name into Indian Premier League (IPL) folklore by steering the Punjab Kings (PBKS) into uncharted territory. With a match-winning innings in the 2025 Qualifier 2 against the Mumbai Indians (MI), Iyer not only guided his team to their first IPL final in over a decade but also became the first captain in league history to lead three different franchises to the tournament’s finale.

This landmark achievement makes Iyer the epicenter of what is being described as one of the most remarkable turnarounds in IPL history—both for a player and a franchise.

The Match That Changed Everything

Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw PBKS pitted against five-time champions Mumbai Indians. PBKS were the underdogs on paper, given Mumbai’s experience and record in knockout matches. The stage was set for a high-stakes battle, and it didn’t disappoint.

Mumbai, batting first, posted a daunting total of 204/6, courtesy of half-centuries from Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. The target was formidable, especially against a side like MI that had never lost an IPL match after scoring over 200 runs. With the pressure of history, expectations, and the weight of a franchise’s legacy resting on his shoulders, Shreyas Iyer walked out to bat with composure and clarity.

Iyer’s unbeaten 87 off 41 balls was a masterclass in calculated aggression. He anchored the innings without losing tempo, effortlessly rotating strike and dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary. His knock included 9 fours and 4 sixes, and it was a blend of textbook elegance and fearless intent. PBKS chased down the target with five wickets in hand and an over to spare—breaking Mumbai’s proud record of successfully defending every 200+ total in IPL history.

Leadership Redefined

What makes this victory even more significant is Iyer’s unique leadership journey. He first took Delhi Capitals to the IPL final in 2020, transforming the then-struggling side into a title contender. In 2024, he captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the final, again demonstrating his ability to rejuvenate teams and marshal talent.

Now, with Punjab Kings, he has completed a trifecta. No captain before him has led three different franchises to IPL finals—a feat that speaks volumes about his adaptability, cricketing acumen, and leadership prowess. Iyer’s ability to build rapport with players, instill confidence, and maintain tactical clarity under pressure has now been cemented as among the best in the modern T20 era.

Speaking after the game, Iyer said, “We believed in ourselves even when no one else did. This team has heart, and we’ve shown that. To lead three different franchises to the finals is something I never imagined, but it’s not about me—it’s about the team, the management, and the fans.”

The PBKS Resurgence

Punjab Kings, a franchise often labeled as perennial underachievers, had not reached the IPL final since 2014. In the intervening years, the team experimented with different combinations of coaches, captains, and players, but success remained elusive. The 2025 season started with tempered expectations, but strong performances from young Indian talents, consistent bowling displays, and Iyer’s leadership created momentum.

Their victory over Mumbai wasn’t a one-off. Throughout the season, PBKS showed a refined approach—strategically building their squad around utility players rather than stars, maintaining a settled playing XI, and executing game plans with discipline. With contributions from domestic players like Arshdeep Singh and Rishi Dhawan, and international match-winners like Liam Livingstone and Kagiso Rabada, the team became a cohesive unit.

Notably, PBKS also became the first team in the world to successfully chase down a 200+ score against Mumbai Indians in IPL history—a feat that breaks one of the most intimidating statistical barriers in T20 cricket.

Shreyas Iyer: The Redemption Arc

Shreyas Iyer’s journey to this pinnacle has not been without setbacks. A recurring back injury in 2023 had sidelined him from the Indian national team and even cast doubts over his IPL career. Questions were raised about his fitness, intent, and mental strength. Critics speculated whether he could reclaim a leadership role in a league increasingly defined by youthful aggression and innovation.

But Iyer’s comeback in IPL 2025 has been nothing short of poetic. As a batsman, he has evolved, balancing risk and rotation with maturity. As a captain, he has matured further, learning from past campaigns, embracing diversity in his squads, and making tactical decisions that have won games from seemingly unwinnable positions.

Former cricketers and analysts have been unanimous in their praise. Sunil Gavaskar termed Iyer’s innings against Mumbai as “one of the finest chases in playoff history,” while Tom Moody highlighted the “tactical genius” of using spinners in the middle overs to disrupt Mumbai’s acceleration.

Preity Zinta’s Viral Celebration and the Emotional Quotient

As PBKS reached the final, the franchise’s co-owner, Preity Zinta, long seen as the emotional face of the team, went viral for her celebratory wink and exuberance in the stands. Fans and media outlets alike highlighted her long-standing support for the team, with memes and posts flooding social media, attributing PBKS’s change in fortune to the “Zinta-Iyer” effect.

Shreyas Iyer’s mother also shared a heartfelt message ahead of the final, stating, “Bas jeetna hai (Now, just win it).” The human side of cricket—the passion, sacrifice, and perseverance—was on full display.

The Grand Finale: A Date With Destiny

PBKS will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final—a clash that ensures a new champion will be crowned. Both teams, despite their passionate fan bases and star-studded line-ups, have never won an IPL title. The anticipation is unprecedented, and the narrative is rich with emotional and competitive stakes.

The final, to be held again at Ahmedabad’s colossal stadium, promises fireworks. RCB, led by Faf du Plessis and powered by Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, have looked lethal. But PBKS, with their momentum and Iyer’s inspirational leadership, have history behind them.

Conclusion

Shreyas Iyer’s heroics in IPL 2025 have not only redefined his legacy but also reshaped the trajectory of the Punjab Kings. From being sidelined due to injury to leading three different franchises to finals, Iyer’s journey is a testament to resilience, skill, and leadership. PBKS’s place in the final and their record-breaking performance have already made this season unforgettable, regardless of the outcome.

If they go on to lift the trophy, it will not just be a win for Punjab—it will be a win for belief, for second chances, and for the beautiful unpredictability of sport.