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Time of India
18 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Shreyas Iyer's cool-headed rise puts him in line for India's top job
Shreyas Iyer may have fallen just short of lifting the IPL 2025 trophy with Punjab Kings , but his leadership through the season has cemented his reputation as one of the most promising captains in Indian cricket today. In guiding Punjab to the final, losing narrowly by six runs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru , Iyer became only the third player after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to lead teams to three IPL finals. Remarkably, he achieved this with three different franchises over five seasons, a testament to his adaptability and strategic depth. While the Indian Test squad for the England tour in June does not feature Iyer, his commanding IPL run has raised fresh questions over that decision. Notably, the Punjab Kings' acquisition of Iyer after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) chose not to meet his retention fee demands turned out to be a windfall. For the Kings, Iyer brought not just tactical acumen but a passionate, grounded leadership style that resonated with players and fans alike. 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Live Events 'Job is still half done, we have to win it next year,' he said following Punjab's narrow loss in the final at Ahmedabad's Motera Stadium. That level-headedness, reminiscent of Dhoni's cool demeanour, is only one side of Iyer's leadership. He also brings a dose of controlled aggression when needed, much like Virat Kohli , and possesses the street-smart instincts of his fellow Mumbaikar Rohit Sharma. Endorsement from Ponting Punjab Kings coach and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting , who has worked closely with Iyer, lavished praise on the 30-year-old's character and drive. 'I actually was gutted... but he's accepted that really well and he's moved on,' Ponting said on The ICC Review ahead of the IPL playoffs. 'He's just got that real hunger in his eyes to do well every time that he plays for us here and wants to win games of cricket and wants to evolve and develop into the best leader and captain that he can be.' Ponting's endorsement carries weight. The two share a long-standing professional relationship dating back to 2017, when Iyer was handed the Delhi Capitals ' captaincy mid-season under Ponting's mentorship after Gautam Gambhir stepped down. In 2020, Iyer led Delhi to their only IPL final to date. A captain with range, and results After a period out of the game due to injury, Iyer was not retained by Delhi as the franchise opted to build around Rishabh Pant. He joined KKR in 2024 and quietly helped steer the team to a title. However, much of the credit was publicly attributed to then-coach Gambhir, with Iyer's contributions underappreciated. Also Read: 'Sarpanch sahab' Shreyas Iyer: Man with the golden touch, who took three teams to IPL finals but fell short for Punjab Kings In 2025, leading a very different Punjab outfit with a fresh backroom setup and revamped roster, Iyer's strategic insights were on full display, and impossible to overlook. From backing Kyle Jamieson's back-of-length bowling on low-bounce pitches to tailoring bowling plans for Vijaykumar Vyshak against Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, his tactical calls consistently paid off. Iyer's performance this year strongly suggests he could be a natural successor to Rohit Sharma in ODIs, especially given his consistency in the 50-over format. And with form and fitness, a return to the T20 and Test sides seems a matter of time. Focused, process-driven and fiercely competitive Those close to Iyer describe him as meticulous and mentally strong, with a single-minded focus on improvement. 'First and foremost, clarity of thought. He is a very process-driven man. He doesn't miss his routines and drills pertaining to physical fitness. There are no cheat days,' said a source who has worked closely with him, reported PTI. 'He has limited his friend circle over the years to ensure no negativity creeps into his system.' His mental preparation and visualisation work has been guided by Abhishek Nayar, while childhood coach Praveen Amre helped him reconstruct his technique after his injury layoff. 'Constantly visualising with a bat in his hand, working on his head position, body stance and visualising every delivery,' a close friend added. Also Read: Inexperience cost us a bit but young group will win a lot in future: Ricky Ponting That competitive edge was on show when he reacted visibly to Shashank Singh's run-out in Qualifier 2, and just as quickly showed leadership by encouraging young Priyansh Arya to keep playing his natural game. 'We lost a battle, not the war' After Punjab's defeat to RCB in the first qualifier, Iyer said, 'We have lost a battle not the war.' It was a statement that revealed not just resilience but vision, marking him as a player capable of seeing the bigger picture. With each passing season, Shreyas Iyer continues to evolve, not just as a batsman, but as a leader of men. And while his name may not yet be etched alongside India's most iconic captains, the journey has only just begun. As Indian cricket looks to the future, there may be a new ' Captain Cool ' in the making. With inputs from PTI
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First Post
a day ago
- Business
- First Post
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer sets sights on next IPL season after heartbreak in final against RCB: 'Job is still half done'
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 . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD '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! 🏆🥹 — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD '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_._
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
IPL 2025 finals RCB vs PBKS LIVE: Chance for Royal Challengers, Punjab Kings to set the record straight
History beckons as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings attempt to break new ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday (June 3, 2025). Now into the 18th edition of the IPL, the wait for a maiden title has been long and painful for RCB and PBKS. A glorious new chapter will be written at the Narendra Modi Stadium for one of the two combatants. Also read | IPL winners since 2008: Full list of winners and teams with most IPL titles For Virat Kohli, loyal to RCB from the very origins of this tournament, Tuesday presents another chance to set the record straight. Having been at the receiving end in three finals, Kohli would like to seal his legacy with a match-winning innings. A lso read | IPL 2025 Purple and Orange cap standings: Top wicket-takers and highest run-scorers Standing at the opposite end is Shreyas Iyer, whose inspired knock on Sunday knocked heavyweight Mumbai Indians out. This grand arena is not new to Shreyas, with the Mumbaikar having led Delhi Capitals to the 2020 final, before laying his hands on the title as the Kolkata Knight Riders skipper last year. The clinical victory over MI has turned PBKS' abject failure in Qualifier 1 into a minor blip. RCB had run through the PBKS batting unit, but that brings little comfort to Rajat Patidar's men. If PBKS turns up once again at full tilt, the side is near unbeatable.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
IPL 2025 Final: For RCB, unlikely captain Rajat Patidar's moment to shine
Rajat Patidar will lead RCB in the final against PBKS (Image via ANI) Ahmedabad : On December 15 last year at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, chants of 'RCB! RCB!' during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 finale seemed woefully out of place. Mumbai squared up against Madhya Pradesh, with MP's skipper Rajat Patidar being the only RCB connection. Patidar's unbeaten 40-ball 81 was overshadowed by Shreyas Iyer and his men's fivewicket title triumph. A little over five months later, the duo is back as captains in the IPL's final countdown. On Monday, the eve of the final, Patidar and Iyer sat on either side of the trophy, strung together by the commonality of their respective teams, RCB and Punjab Kings, chasing an elusive maiden title. The similarity between the duo probably ends there. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Before the start of the previous domestic season, Patidar hadn't led at the senior level, ever. Who would have imagined that Patidar, with a little help from his deputy Jitesh Sharma, would lead RCB, which has always been helmed by superstars of the sport, would find himself having a shot to history. IPL 2025 Final, RCB vs Punjab Kings: The wait will finally end in Ahmedabad In sharp contrast, Iyer, both as a captain and player, is a man of many accomplishments. He was skipper when Kolkata Knight Riders were crowned champions last season and led Delhi Capitals to the 2020 title contest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo Who's that IPL player? Patidar, the captaincy armband notwithstanding, is a subdued persona, but his Mumbaikar counterpart doesn't shy away from pulling up his players on the field or showing who the boss is. Their contrast spills over to their confidence in public speaking as well. While Patidar is still learning the ropes, Iyer has mastered the art of fielding questions with assurance and aplomb. Poll Who do you think will win the 2025 IPL final on Tuesday in Ahmedabad? Royal Challengers Bengaluru Punjab Kings 'No one can deny the expectations. For me, it's important to be in the present. I always look at what is in my hands, what we can control. So, I always believe in controlling the controllables,' said the middle-order batter, who turned 32 on Sunday. Patidar is light on captaincy experience but is backed by a think-tank which has relied heavily on performance rather than star value. Will that be enough for RCB's fourth shot at the title to finally bear fruit or will Iyer lift the trophy again, this time to end Punjab's 17-year wait?
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First Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 final: Longest wait for maiden title and other records that could be broken in Ahmedabad showdown
Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Punjab Kings in the final of the 2025 Indian Premier League at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday with both teams, who have been part of the league since its inception in 2008, eyeing their maiden title. read more Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer and Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli are the leading run-scorers for their respective teams with 603 and 614 runs respectively. Reuters The Indian Premier League is set to crown a first-time champion on Tuesday with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Punjab Kings in the final of the 18th season in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. on the points table at the end of the league stage to earn two shots at reaching the final. Bengaluru gained direct entry with a after bundling the Shreyas Iyer-led side out for just 101 in Mullanpur. PBKS, however, bounced back with a five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians , the team that had defeated Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator, to enter the final for just the second time in 18 seasons, and for the first time in 11 years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Records and milestones that could be broken/achieved in IPL 2025 final And ahead of Tuesday's showdown at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium , where Iyer had dished out a magnificent 87 not out on Sunday to propel his team into the final, we take a look at some of the records that could be broken and individual and team milestones that could be achieved: — The IPL is set to witness a first-time winner on Tuesday as neither RCB nor PBKS have lifted the trophy in the past. Punjab had lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 while RCB lost to Deccan Chargers (2009), Chennai Super Kings (2011) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016) in past finals. — The winning team will also break the record for the longest wait for a maiden title, which currently belongs to MI, who won their maiden title in their sixth season in 2013. KKR achieved the feat in their fifth attempt while SRH and CSK took four and three seasons respectively. Rajasthan Royals and GT had won the title on debut in 2008 and 2022 respectively. — PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer could become the first player in IPL history to win the title with two different teams. And what will make the victory even more incredible for the Mumbaikar will be the fact that he will achieve it in back-to-back seasons, having led KKR to their third title last year only to get released ahead of the mega auction. — Kohli needs another 86 runs to finish with 700-plus runs for the second consecutive season and for the third time overall. He had won the 'Orange Cap' in each time he went past the milestone – 973 runs in 2016 and 741 last year – but will need another 146 runs to surpass GT opener Sai Sudharsan, who currently is in the lead with 759 runs. PBKS captain Shreyas has already registered his best performance ever in an IPL season with 603 runs, but like Kohli, is a long way off from the 'Orange Cap'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Josh Hazlewood needs to collect at least four wickets in the IPL final against Punjab Kings to become only the second Australian to win the 'Purple Cap'. Reuters — RCB pacer Josh Hazlewood needs to collect at least four wickets to finish with the 'Purple Cap' as the highest wicket-taker and become only the second Australian to win the award. A four-fer will allow the pacer to finish level with GT seamer Prasidh Krishna's current tally of 25 wickets, after which their economy rates will decide the winner of the award. PBKS' Arshdeep Singh, on the other hand, needs to collect seven or more wickets to win the award.
