Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) dream run came to a heartbreaking end in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) final as they fell agonisingly short of their maiden title against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
PBKS struggled for the better part of the second innings and lost crucial wickets at regular intervals while chasing 191 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. A game-changing moment came when PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer walked out to bat during a tense middle phase only to throw his wicket away playing a careless shot.
As RCB eventually lifted the trophy, the reckless nature of Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal became one of the talking points after the final. Among those who expressed their displeasure was former India cricketer Yograj Singh, who did not mince his words while reacting to Iyer’s shot selection.
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Yograj Singh Calls Shreyas Iyer's IPL 2025 Final Shot a ‘Criminal Offence’
Yograj, known for his outspoken views, used the term “criminal offence” not in a literal legal sense but to express the magnitude of Iyer’s poor shot selection.
Iyer tried to guide an outside-off delivery off Romario Shepherd but ended up nicking it straight to the wicket-keeper, perishing after scoring just one run of two balls.
He referred to advice he once received from Ashok Mankad and stated that Iyer deserves a two-match ban for playing that shot.
"The shot which Shreyas Iyer played in the final was a criminal offence, according to me. Ashok Mankad told me about this criminal offence, which comes under Section 302. He also told me that the repercussions of this is that you will be banned for two matches. What Shreyas did yesterday is not acceptable. There is no apology for that," Yograj said as quoted to ANI.
Notably, Iyer’s criticism came only one match after his historic innings against Mumbai Indians (MI) that helped Punjab Kings book their place in the final. In the Qualifier 2 versus MI, he scored 87* runs off 41 balls in a successful run-chase of 204 runs, which is now the highest in an IPL playoff fixture.
Shreyas Iyer Looks Ahead Despite IPL 2025 Heartbreak
After guiding Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in over a decade, Iyer had to confront the sting of a heartbreaking defeat in the final. While visibly disappointed, he struck a determined note in his post-match comments, making it clear that the team was not finished yet and will focus on winning the trophy next year.
"The job is still half done, we have to be here and win the trophy next year," Iyer stated in the post-match presentation.
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