IPL 2025 Final: Yograj Singh blames Punjab Kings Captain Shreyas Iyer for team’s defeat against RCB
PTC Web Desk: The IPL 2025 final saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lift the coveted trophy after narrowly defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs. While the match was an emotional rollercoaster for fans, the aftermath sparked strong criticism, particularly from former cricketer Yograj Singh, who squarely blamed Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer for the heartbreaking loss.
In a scathing statement post-match, Yograj Singh remarked, “When you start believing you are bigger than the game, such outcomes are inevitable.” Holding Iyer solely accountable for the loss, Yograj stated, “The only person responsible for Punjab’s defeat in the final is the captain himself.”
According to Yograj, Iyer's decision-making at the crease cost Punjab dearly. "He came in and tried to finish the game with a six, and that reckless shot changed everything. The team was in control until then, but he threw it away," he added.
Yograj Singh said while many players might wear the jersey, only a few had the mindset and skill to finish tough games. He said, “There are many players, but only two or three are true match-winners.” In his opinion, Shreyas Iyer lacked the temperament required to lead the team in such a high-pressure scenario.
Referencing the contributions of cricket legends, Yograj drew comparisons with his son Yuvraj Singh and former Indian captain MS Dhoni, praising their ability to turn matches around under intense pressure. “Only two players in India won 92 losing matches — Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Yuvraj alone had a 98% winning rate when chasing. That’s what defines a true cricketer,” he said.
While criticising Punjab's captaincy, Yograj Singh also acknowledged Virat Kohli’s vital role in RCB’s victory. Kohli scored over 40 runs, anchoring the innings with maturity. “Kohli’s performance gave Bengaluru the edge, and he built his innings steadily to reach 80. That was the difference,” Yograj noted.
“People won’t remember what happened yesterday or what may happen tomorrow. What matters is what you did today — and today, Shreyas Iyer failed his team,” he added.
- PTC NEWS
