The IPL 2025 final is set for a dramatic finish as Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings gear up to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru, both teams chasing their maiden title. But what’s truly caught the cricket world’s attention is how Iyer’s leadership and a well-guarded tactical approach turned Punjab Kings into the tournament’s most formidable force—especially after a stunning run through the playoffs.
The Secret Behind Punjab Kings’ Success: Iyer’s Masterstroke
After a convincing win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, where Shreyas Iyer blazed an unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls, the PBKS skipper finally revealed the “secret weapon” that’s powered his side into the final156. Iyer credited a bold, data-driven game plan and a relentless focus on adaptability as the keys to outsmarting their rivals—especially RCB, who had beaten Punjab in Qualifier 1 just days earlier.
“We knew RCB’s strengths and patterns. Our plan was to break their rhythm—rotate bowlers, shuffle batting order, and attack their key bowlers early. We practiced for every scenario, and the team bought into the vision completely,” Iyer shared in the post-match conference.
How the Plan Unfolded: Inside PBKS’s Tactical Playbook
- Dynamic Batting Order: Iyer and the coaching staff weren’t afraid to promote in-form hitters up the order, keeping RCB’s bowlers guessing and never letting them settle.
- Targeting Key Bowlers: Punjab’s batters specifically targeted RCB’s strike bowlers in the powerplay and death overs, neutralizing their impact and forcing mistakes.
- Flexible Bowling Rotations: By rotating bowlers based on match-ups and conditions, PBKS consistently broke partnerships and controlled the scoring rate.
- Relentless Positivity: Iyer’s “never two defeats in a row” mantra kept morale high and the team focused, allowing them to bounce back from setbacks instantly.
Shreyas Iyer: The Chase Master
Iyer’s own form has been nothing short of sensational—603 runs in 16 innings at an average of 54.81 and a strike rate nearing 176, including six fifties5. His ability to read the situation and accelerate under pressure was on full display against Mumbai Indians, where his calculated assault on Reece Topley and Hardik Pandya turned the match on its head.
“Winning the match for the team is obviously the best feeling in the world and on a pressure occasion, yes, I would rate this as the top-most innings of mine, absolutely,” Iyer said after the Qualifier 2 win5.
The Road to the Final: Resilience and Reinvention
Punjab Kings’ journey to the final has been marked by resilience. Despite losing to RCB in Qualifier 1, Iyer’s side regrouped, analyzed their mistakes, and executed a flawless chase against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians—ending MI’s streak of defending 200+ totals.
Their ability to adapt, mask weaknesses, and maintain high spirits—epitomized by the “Chardi Kala” (eternal optimism) message from Iyer’s family—has made PBKS the story of IPL 2025.
What’s Next?
With the final showdown against RCB looming, the cricketing world waits to see if Iyer’s secret formula will deliver Punjab Kings their first-ever IPL trophy. One thing’s certain: under Shreyas Iyer’s bold leadership, Punjab Kings have already rewritten the script of IPL 2025.
Stay tuned for the grand finale—will Iyer’s strategy outfox Kohli’s RCB, or will Bengaluru finally lift the cup? The answer is just a match away.
You may also like : X Green Media, Khan sir
