In an action-packed IPL 2025 final in which Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally won their first-ever IPL title, nerves were frayed and so was abuse. Former cricketer Yograj Singh, who never hesitated to express his views straight from his heart, berated Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer for committing what he termed as a "criminal offence" on the cricket pitch, attributing his negligent dismissal for the loss of the match by six runs.
Shreyas Iyer's expensive blunder in a high-pressure game
In Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, Punjab Kings were on 191 to claim their maiden IPL championship. But under pressure, there was No. 4 skipper Shreyas Iyer, who survived only two balls and scored a single before getting caught behind off a loose shot by Romario Shepherd. The wicket was a turning point, as PBKS ultimately wrapped up their innings at 184/7, six runs shy of the target.
Yograj Singh's anger outburst
Talking to a news agency, Indian cricket icon Yuvraj Singh's father Yograj Singh had no holds barred. "The ball which Shreyas Iyer hit in the last match was a criminal act, to my opinion. Ashok Mankad informed me regarding this criminal act, which is under Section 302," Yograj stated. He continued, "He also informed me that the penalty of this is that you will get banned for two matches. What Shreyas did yesterday is unacceptable. There is no apology for that." Yograj's hot words mirror fans and players' frustrations, many of whom were anticipating more sensible leadership from Iyer in such a big situation.
RCB's first title: A long wait ends
Earlier, batting first, RCB totaled a fighting 190/9, courtesy of notable scores from Virat Kohli (43), Rajat Patidar (26), and Jitesh Sharma (24). In the face of a valiant Punjab Kings fightback led by Shashank Singh's unbeaten 61 and a 39-run effort from Josh Inglis RCB's bowlers were on their mettle. Krunal Pandya was outstanding with the ball, taking 2/17, and strangling the run flow in the middle overs.
Punjab Kings' trophy drought continues
For Punjab Kings, too, the agony persists. After making it to their second IPL final, they failed again. Team strategies, shot choice under pressure, and most importantly, captaincy choices will now be questioned. Shreyas Iyer, who had a decent tournament otherwise, becomes the target of criticism for one bad call in the season's biggest game.
