Shreyas Iyer Makes History as Punjab Kings Enter First IPL Final

With an unbeaten 87 and a last-over six, Shreyas Iyer takes Punjab Kings to their maiden IPL final — and becomes the only captain to lead three different teams into IPL title clashes.

Arun Upadhayay 3 weeks agoLast Updated: June 7, 2025

19 3 minutes read

AHMEDABAD — Shreyas Iyer didn’t just play a captain’s knock. He authored a moment that will stay stitched into the fabric of IPL history.

On a warm June night at the Narendra Modi Stadium, under the roar of 100,000 fans and the weight of 16 seasons of near-misses, Iyer led the Punjab Kings into their first-ever IPL final — and in the process, became the first captain to take three different franchises to an IPL summit clash.

That’s not just a statistic. That’s legacy.

The Shot That Said It All

Punjab were chasing 204. Not impossible, but not easy. Wickets had fallen. Mumbai had them under a bit of strangle early on. At one stage, it looked like the innings was slipping.

But Iyer had other ideas. He came in when Punjab were wobbling, steadied the ship, then pressed the accelerator — in his own timing, in his own way.

Then came that final over.

Ashwani Kumar dropped one short. Iyer stayed still. Clean arc, clean connection, and the ball sailed high over deep mid-wicket. Game done. Arms raised. Eyes closed for a second. That six didn’t just win the match — it freed a franchise.

Final score: Iyer unbeaten on 87 off just 41 balls, 5 fours, 8 sixes. Brutal. Beautiful.

The Man with Three Finals

Delhi Capitals. Kolkata Knight Riders. Now Punjab Kings.

Shreyas Iyer has done something no IPL skipper has ever done — taken three different teams to the final. It’s not luck. It’s not coincidence. It’s leadership.

Delhi in 2020, a young team. Kolkata in 2021, mid-season turnaround. And Punjab in 2025, a unit that had always had the firepower but never the direction. Until now.

Ask anyone — players follow captains who lead with clarity, not noise. Iyer does that.

Punjab’s Long Wait Ends

Since 2008, Punjab Kings (earlier Kings XI Punjab) have had everything: iconic players, noisy fans, moments of brilliance. What they didn’t have was consistency.

Until this year.

This time, they stitched wins, not drama. Backed youth. Built a spine around Iyer. And now, they’ve got a ticket to the biggest match of them all.

Nehal Wadhera Steps Up Too

One name that deserves more ink is Nehal Wadhera. His 48 off 29 balls was pivotal. While Iyer took care of the finishing, Wadhera held one end, found gaps, hit the odd big shot, and made sure the run rate didn’t spike.

Their 84-run stand in under 8 overs? That was the heartbeat of the chase.

Mumbai Put Up a Fight, But Fell Short

Credit to Mumbai Indians — their 203 was competitive. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav played smartly, both scoring 44. Naman Dhir added fire at the back end with a 37 off 18 blitz.

But the bowlers didn’t turn up when it mattered. Bumrah, Topley, Boult — all wicketless. Pressure slipped. Lines went astray. And when Punjab counterattacked, Mumbai couldn’t claw back.

Hardik Pandya, back as captain, looked a touch off as well. The spark never caught.

A Final Loaded with Narrative

Now, it’s set. Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru. A new champion will rise. It’s history either way.

But for Shreyas Iyer, it’s already something else. A stamp. A statement. A silencer for those who doubted his place after injuries, benchings, and shifts in franchises.

He’s not just back. He’s leading from the front, and writing scripts that even seasoned cricket watchers didn’t see coming.

History is waiting

Some moments in sport transcend stats. That six over mid-wicket? That was one.

For Punjab fans, this isn’t just a shot at the title. It’s validation after years in the shadows.

For Shreyas Iyer, this is proof. Quiet, powerful proof.

And for the rest of us? It’s a reminder: form is temporary, class — and leadership — lasts.

Credit: ESPNCricInfo

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Author Profile

Arun Upadhayay

Sports Contributor at Hindustan Herald | Web

Arun Upadhayay is a sports journalist and former district-level cricketer with over four years of experience in event production and digital content. Currently freelancing with the India Today Group, Arun brings a deep understanding of sports and storytelling. His work blends expert analysis, live event insights, and engaging coverage of the game.