IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer guides Punjab Kings to final with RCB

Shreyas Iyer delivered a masterclass of batting skill and run-chasing ingenuity during an innings of 87* as he led the Punjab Kings to victory by five-wickets with six balls to spare in their IPL Qualifier Match against the Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Mumbai totalled an impressive 203-6 but Punjab smashed the target on the back of captain Iyer’s magnificent, unbeaten 87 from just 41 balls with five glorious sixes and eight fours.

The result means the Punjab Kings will now face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, also at the Narendra Modi Stadium, on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli on verge of IPL glory

A win for RCB is meanwhile critical for Virat Kohli who after a decorated international career brimming with accolades, he still wants to add a long-elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) title to his résumé.

Kohli, now 36, has been the face of RCB since the league’s inception in 2008. Despite nine seasons as captain and three appearances in the final (2009, 2011, 2016), a championship title has always slipped through their fingers.

But 2025 has been a different story.

Under the emerging leadership of Rajat Patidar, Bengaluru has looked sharper, more united, and tactically sound. They went unbeaten in all seven away matches during the group stage and routed Punjab in the first qualifier to book their place in the final.

While Kohli remains RCB’s top scorer this season, it’s the team balance—long seen as their Achilles heel—that’s finally been addressed.

“It’s a far better balanced side,” said former Australia international Tom Moody, who has coached both Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

“It’s not top-heavy anymore. There are opportunities for other players to influence games, not just the top three.”

Bengaluru also received a boost with Josh Hazlewood returning from a shoulder injury ahead of the playoffs. His sharp bowling helped reduce Punjab to a mere 101 runs in Thursday’s qualifier—a decisive performance.

However, Iyer said after Sunday’s match: “I love big occasions.”

“I tell myself and the team—the bigger the occasion, the calmer you must be. That’s when your best comes out. Today, I focused more on my breathing than the scoreboard.”

Backed by coach Ricky Ponting, Iyer has fostered a fearless culture in Punjab’s camp, reigniting hopes of a maiden IPL title.

Tuesday’s final promises more than just silverware—it’s a showdown of legacies and new beginnings. For Kohli, it could be the crowning jewel. For Iyer and Punjab, it could be history in the making.