Ahead of PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 final, SS Rajamouli predicts ‘heartbreak', pens emotional note on Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer: ‘Whatever the result…'

Indian Express

4 days ago

Ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli has shared an emotional note ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) final, which will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) compete for the coveted trophy. In his post, Rajamouli shared his perspective on the careers of two of the most important players from each team — Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli — and why this final holds immense significance for both cricketers and their massive fan bases. Shreyas is currently the captain of PBKS.
SS Rajamouli wrote on X (formerly Twitter) about how Shreyas Iyer has led multiple IPL teams to finals but was eventually dropped from those very squads, which is why his leadership of PBKS in the final is such a pivotal moment in his career. He said, 'This man leads Delhi to a final… and is dropped… Leads Kolkata to a trophy… dropped… Leads a young Punjab to the finals after 11 years. He deserves this year's trophy too… On the other hand, it is Kohli… who is performing year on year… compiling thousands of runs. The final frontier for him… He deserves it too. Whatever the result… it's going to be a heartbreak…'
Punjab Kings won their previous match against Mumbai Indians and secured their place in the IPL final. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru also booked their spot after defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1. On Monday, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli arrived in Ahmedabad ahead of the IPL final scheduled for Tuesday. While Anushka opted for an all-white ensemble, Virat was seen in a black T-shirt.
Virat recently announced his retirement from his 14-year-long Test career. Following the announcement, the couple visited Vrindavan to seek blessings from Sant Premanand Govind Sharan. Later, Anushka penned a heartfelt note for Virat, reflecting on his career in Test cricket and the sacrifices he made for the format.
She wrote, 'They'll talk about the records and the milestones — but I'll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game. I know how much all this took from you. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler — and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege. Somehow, I always imagined you'd retire international cricket in whites — But you've always followed your heart, and so I just want to say my love, you've earned every bit of this goodbye ❤️.'