Shreyas Iyer's Ongoing Love Affair With Finals: Punjab's Sarpanch Targets IPL Glory

Shreyas Iyer's incredible love affair with high-pressure finals rages on tonight as he takes Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad. Already the lone captain to have guided three franchises—Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now Punjab Kings—to the IPL final, Iyer's reputation as a "finals specialist" is well-established, but the desire for validation burns brighter than ever.

 

Having guided KKR to the title last season, Iyer was retained by Punjab at a record INR 26.75 crore. His contribution has been game-changing: 603 runs at a blistering strike rate of 175.80, including a match-winning 87* in Qualifier 2. Apart from the numbers, it's his calm leadership and strategic minds that have instilled a new faith in a franchise starved for so many years.

 

Punjabi fans have embraced him as their 'Sarpanch', and even Bollywood co-owner Preity Zinta has joined the chorus of support. Iyer's family also wished him genuinely, seconding the wish of crores: "Bas jeetna hai"—just win it.

 

Tonight's decider is more than just silverware. For Iyer, it is the opportunity to finally get the respect and love that has so far evaded him, even with a CV on par with the best. As Punjab Kings chase their first-ever IPL title, all attention is now focused on Shreyas Iyer—the player who made them dream.

 

Source: India Today