In the high-stakes world of professional cricket, where pressure can make or break careers, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer revealed a startling admission that showcases the human side of elite athletes. Standing on the brink of IPL glory, the 30-year-old skipper confessed to barely getting four hours of sleep before one of the most important matches of his career.
This candid revelation came as Punjab Kings prepared to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with both franchises seeking their maiden IPL title after years of heartbreak and near-misses.
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The Sleepless Captain’s Confession
The weight of leadership and anticipation of a historic final took its toll on Shreyas Iyer, who openly admitted his struggle with pre-match nerves. “I couldn’t sleep. I hardly had four hours of sleep and I am here,” Iyer told reporters during the pre-final press conference, offering a glimpse into the mental challenges faced by players at cricket’s highest level. His honesty resonated with fans and fellow cricketers alike, humanizing the often-glamorized world of professional sports.
Despite the lack of rest, Iyer’s determination remained unwavering. The Punjab Kings captain explained how he found himself in his hotel room one moment, and the next thing he knew, he was addressing the media ahead of the biggest match of the season. This raw admission highlighted the immense pressure and excitement that comes with leading a team to an IPL final, especially for a franchise that had waited 11 years to return to this stage.
The Masterclass Against Mumbai Indians
A Captain’s Knock Under Pressure
Shreyas Iyer’s journey to the final was paved with one of the most spectacular innings of his IPL career. His unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls against five-time champions Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 wasn’t just a match-winning performance – it was a statement of intent. The innings, decorated with eight towering sixes, showcased Iyer’s ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most.
The chase of 204 runs seemed daunting when Punjab Kings lost early wickets, but Iyer’s calculated aggression turned the tide. Partnering with Nehal Wadhera in a crucial 84-run stand in just 7.5 overs, the captain demonstrated why he’s considered one of the most reliable finishers in T20 cricket. His ability to maintain a strike rate of over 200 while building a partnership under pressure exemplified the maturity and skill that has defined his captaincy tenure.
Rating His Best IPL Performance
When asked about his explosive knock, Iyer didn’t hesitate to place it at the pinnacle of his IPL achievements. “Top most knock I have played in the IPL,” he declared, acknowledging the significance of the occasion and the quality of opposition. The statement carried extra weight considering Iyer had previously led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title just a season ago, making him one of the few captains to reach consecutive finals with different franchises.
The Unfinished Business Mindset
Half the Job Done
What set Shreyas Iyer apart in the aftermath of the semifinal victory was his immediate shift in focus to the final. While his teammates celebrated the win over Mumbai Indians, the captain walked off the field without much fanfare, his mind already on the next challenge. “After the win over Mumbai, I felt like my job was only half done. The job is not yet finished,” Iyer explained, demonstrating the single-minded focus that separates champions from the rest.
This mentality reflected the transformation in Punjab Kings’ approach under Iyer’s leadership. The franchise, which had consistently finished in the bottom half of the table in recent seasons, found a new identity with their captain leading from the front. His emphasis on recovery and preparation immediately after the semifinal victory showed the professional approach that had been instilled in the team throughout the season.
Learning from Past Defeats
The road to the final wasn’t without its bumps. Punjab Kings had suffered a comprehensive defeat against RCB in Qualifier 1, losing by eight wickets at their home ground in Mullanpur. However, Iyer’s response to that setback demonstrated his resilience and tactical acumen. “I love to play according to the situation, and not get too much ahead of the game. I want to see to it that I take the game to the end,” he said, revealing his approach to high-pressure situations.
The Strategic Preparations
Banking on Experience
As Punjab Kings prepared for their first IPL final since 2014, Iyer highlighted the importance of experienced players in his squad. Special mention was made of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who had returned from a wrist injury just in time for the business end of the tournament. Despite concerns about Chahal’s fitness, Iyer expressed confidence in the spinner’s ability to deliver on the big stage. “Chahal is a very experienced bowler. He has played a lot of big matches. He is lethal,” the captain noted, underlining the value of having match-winners in crucial games.
The Ahmedabad Connection
The venue for the final held special significance for Punjab Kings. Their IPL 2025 campaign had begun with a victory over Gujarat Titans at the same Narendra Modi Stadium, creating a sense of destiny about their return for the title decider. “We have been consistent this season. And it all started here in Ahmedabad. Now we are in the final. I am very excited,” Iyer shared, acknowledging the poetic nature of potentially winning their maiden title at the venue where their journey began.
The Coaching Influence
Ricky Ponting’s Impact
The transformation of Punjab Kings under the guidance of coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer cannot be understated. The Australian legend’s winning mentality and tactical expertise complemented Iyer’s on-field leadership perfectly. Together, they had crafted a team that finished in the top two of the league stage, a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that had struggled for consistency in previous seasons.
Ponting’s influence was evident in the team’s approach to pressure situations. The aggressive yet calculated batting displays, smart bowling changes, and improved fielding standards all bore the hallmarks of the former Australian captain’s coaching philosophy. This partnership between a young Indian captain and an experienced Australian coach created the perfect blend of innovation and wisdom.
The Final Showdown
RCB vs PBKS: A Battle of Equals
The IPL 2025 final promised to be a clash for the ages, with both teams seeking their first-ever IPL title. The head-to-head record between the two sides stood perfectly balanced at 18 wins each from 36 encounters, though RCB had enjoyed the upper hand in the current season with two victories in three meetings. This statistical parity added another layer of intrigue to an already compelling narrative.
For Shreyas Iyer, the final represented more than just a chance at IPL glory. Having won the title with KKR the previous season, he had the opportunity to become one of the few captains to win consecutive IPL titles with different franchises. More importantly, he could deliver Punjab Kings their first-ever IPL trophy, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful T20 captains in Indian cricket.
Key Matchups and Challenges
The final presented several fascinating individual battles that could determine the outcome. Josh Hazlewood had emerged as Iyer’s nemesis throughout the season, dismissing him twice in their previous encounters. The Australian pacer’s ability to generate extra bounce had troubled the PBKS captain, creating a subplot within the larger narrative.
Similarly, the battle between Virat Kohli and Punjab’s bowling attack, particularly Kyle Jamieson, promised to be another decisive factor. These individual contests within the team game added layers of complexity to what was already shaping up to be a thrilling finale to IPL 2025.
Table: Shreyas Iyer’s IPL 2025 Performance
| Match Phase | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Stage | 14 | 487 | 40.58 | 145.2 | 4 | 0 |
| Playoffs | 3 | 156 | 78.00 | 168.5 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 17 | 643 | 45.93 | 149.8 | 5 | 0 |
The Mental Game
Shreyas Iyer’s admission about his sleepless night before the final highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of professional cricket – the mental toll of high-stakes matches. His openness about struggling with sleep demonstrated that even the most successful athletes face anxiety and pressure. However, what separated Iyer from others was his ability to channel that nervous energy into match-winning performances.
The captain’s approach to pressure situations revealed a mature understanding of T20 cricket’s demands. His philosophy of playing according to the situation rather than getting ahead of himself showed the temperament required to succeed at the highest level. This mental fortitude, combined with his technical skills, made him one of the most complete T20 batters in world cricket.
Leadership Under Fire
Throughout the IPL 2025 season, Iyer had demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. His ability to remain calm under pressure, make tactical decisions on the fly, and lead from the front with the bat had transformed Punjab Kings from perennial underachievers to title contenders. The semifinal victory against Mumbai Indians, where he shepherded his team through a challenging chase, exemplified these leadership traits.
The Road Ahead
As Punjab Kings prepared for their date with destiny, Shreyas Iyer’s journey from a sleepless night to the IPL final encapsulated the dreams and aspirations of an entire franchise. His honest admission about pre-match nerves, combined with his match-winning performances, painted a picture of a leader who was both human and heroic.
The IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium promised to be more than just a cricket match. For Shreyas Iyer, it represented the culmination of a season where he had carried the hopes of Punjab Kings fans on his shoulders. Whether he would add another IPL trophy to his collection or experience the heartbreak of a final defeat remained to be seen, but his journey to this point had already cemented his status as one of the most impactful leaders in IPL history.
FAQs
Q: How did Shreyas Iyer perform in the IPL 2025 playoffs?
A: Shreyas Iyer was exceptional in the playoffs, scoring 156 runs in 3 innings at an average of 78.00 and a strike rate of 168.5. His match-winning 87* against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 was particularly crucial in securing Punjab Kings’ place in the final.
Q: What makes the IPL 2025 final special for both teams?
A: The IPL 2025 final is historic because both Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are seeking their maiden IPL title. RCB last appeared in a final in 2016, while PBKS haven’t reached this stage since 2014, making it a long-awaited opportunity for both franchises.
