PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer sets sights on next IPL season after heartbreak in final against RCB: 'Job is still half done'

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Punjab Kings came narrowly close to winning their maiden Indian Premier League title on Tuesday, suffering a six-run loss at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final in Ahmedabad. Captain Shreyas Iyer, however, already has one eye on the next season, where he will be hoping to go a step further and lift the trophy. read more
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has now led three different franchises to the Indian Premier League final in the last five years. PTI
The 2025 Indian Premier League turned out to be virtually identical to their campaign 11 years ago. After finishing top of the table at the end of the league phase, Punjab Kings lost Qualifier 1 only to bounce back a couple of days later with a victory in Qualifier 2 and enter the final.
And just like the final of the 2014 edition, PBKS ended up stumbling in the final hurdle. Back then, they had suffered a three-wicket loss against Kolkata Knight Riders with three balls to spare in Bengaluru. On Tuesday at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, Punjab fell just 6 runs short of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's score of 190 .
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'We have to be here and win the trophy next year'
Captain Shreyas Iyer, however, insisted that the 'job is still half done', and the Kings will be setting their sights at going one step further in the coming year and end their long wait for a maiden IPL title, something that RCB achieved with their historic victory on Tuesday.
'Dejected to be honest but the way our boys came up to the occasion, the way we cherished, it wasn't immaculate but lot of credit goes to the management, the support staff and each and every person who has participated and contributed. The way the owners supported us was also amazing,' Iyer, who has now led three different franchises to an IPL final in the last five years, said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
'I keep on saying the same thing but hats off to every individual who has been here and who has contributed, the support staff, the management. We wouldn't be here without them, kudos to them. The job is still half done, we have to be here and win the trophy next year,' he added.
Also Read | PBKS' strength turns into weakness as RCB brutally expose their batting in IPL final
Iyer also described left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya's spell of 2/17 from four overs as the 'turning point' of the game. Punjab had reached 52/1 at the end of the powerplay after being set 191 to win by the Royal Challengers, which could have been a lot more had it not been for Arshdeep Singh's brilliance in the final over.
'Considering the last game against MI, I personally felt that 200 was a par score. They bowled brilliantly, especially Krunal, he carries a lot of experience, he has done it over a period of time. I believe that was the turning point,' the Mumbaikar added.
'Kohli deserves it more than anyone else'
Rajat Patidar, who had become the fourth player to lead RCB into the final but the first to lift the trophy, said it was a great learning experience and opportunity for him to be leading the Royal Challengers with Kohli around.
Ee Sala Cup N̶a̶m̶d̶e̶ Namdu! 🏆🥹 pic.twitter.com/n1rJrrEMts — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 3, 2025
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The Madhya Pradesh batter also heaped praise on his bowling unit for the manner in which they executed their plans on Tuesday to fulfill the franchise and its fans' dream of finally lifting the trophy.
'I think it is really special for me and special for Virat Kohli and all the fans who have supported for years. They deserve it,' Patidar said during the presentation ceremony shortly before lifting the trophy with Kohli and other teammates.
'After the Qualifier 1, at that time we thought we could do this. I think 190 was a good score on this track because it was a bit slow. The way bowlers executed their plans was tremendous to watch. He's (Krunal) a wicket-taking bowler. Whenever I come under pressure, I look for KP. Suyash also bowled really well throughout the season. And all the fast bowlers - Bhuvi, Yash, Hazlewood and the way Romario came in and the way he gave two-three overs and the breakthrough was special.
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'For me it's a great opportunity to do captaincy under him and it was a great learning for me. As I said he deserves it more than anyone else. Virat Kohli and all the fans. Everyone who has supported - the management, support staff - the way they've supported the players was beautiful. I just want to say one line for the fans - Ee sala Cup Namdu,' he added_._