Yograj Singh criticizes Shreyas Iyer's shot selection [Source: @x29user/X]
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer faces severe criticism from former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh after his team's narrow six-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final. Iyer's dismissal for just one run, caught behind off Romario Shepherd early in Punjab's chase of 191, was labelled a crucial turning point in the title clash at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.
Yograj Singh Lambasts PBKS Skipper's 'No Apology' Shot
Yograj Singh did not mince words regarding the skipper's shot selection while speaking to ANI and as quoted by HindustanTimes.
“The shot which Shreyas Iyer played in the final was a criminal offence, according to me. Ashok Mankad told me about this criminal offence, which comes under Section 302. He also told me that the repercussions of this are that you will be banned for two matches. What Shreyas did yesterday is not acceptable. There is no apology for that," Yograj said.
Notably, in the fourth ball of the ninth over, Bowling at 137 kmph, Shepherd bowled a back-of-a-length delivery outside off, which generated a bit of extra bounce. Shreyas Iyer, attempting a square cut, was cramped for room and ended up edging the ball. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma took a straightforward catch behind the stumps.
How Shreyas' Dismissal Proved Costly For PBKS?
Despite valiant efforts, including an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls from Shashank Singh and a late 22-run assault in the final over, Punjab fell agonizingly short at 184/7. Solid starts from Priyansh Arya (24) and Prabhsimran Singh (26), along with Josh Inglis' 39, had kept them in contention before Iyer's early exit proved costly.
RCB's bowlers applied consistent pressure. Krunal Pandya (2/17), named Player of the Match, Yash Dayal (1/18), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38) delivered crucial spells. Earlier, Punjab's bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (3/40), Kyle Jamieson (3/48), and Yuzvendra Chahal (1/37), restricted RCB to 190/9, ending their 18-year wait for the title.
The celebrations for RCB's maiden trophy, however, were tragically marred by a stampede in Bengaluru during victory festivities, resulting in at least 11 deaths, with the franchise facing scrutiny over adherence to safety protocols.