'Throw the imagination in the bin': Shreyas Iyer warns RCB ahead of IPL 2025 final

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer has sent a subtle warning to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Shreyas Iyer said that after losing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Qualifier 1 they threw the "imagination and also the hiccup in the bin" as one match can't define them as a team.

Shreyas Iyer takes Punjab Kings to the final

Punjab Kings entered Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League 2025 as underdogs despite finishing No.1 in the points table because they were up against the 5-time champions, Mumbai Indians.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Historically, the Mumbai Indians are known for bringing out their A-game in the must-win matches, and they more often than not fall on the right side of the result.

However, that story didn't pan out in Qualifier 2 as Shreyas Iyer & Co. had other plans. Opting to bowl first, they allowed MI to register 203/6 but chased down the target with 6 balls remaining to clinch a 5-wicket win, thanks to Shreyas Iyer's stunning 87-run knock.

With the victory over Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings booked a date in the IPL 2025 final with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and this will be the second time that the Punjab-based franchise will be playing the IPL final.

I don't know to be honest, I love such big occasions - Shreyas Iyer

During the post-match presentation ceremony after winning the Player of the Match award, Shreyas Iyer said that he loves big occasions. He said:

"(On being calm while batting) I don't know to be honest, I love such big occasions. I always say to myself and also to my colleagues in the team that the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are, you get the big results. Today was a right example where I was focusing more on my breathing rather than sweating out loud over there."

While talking about chasing a 200+ target, Shreyas Iyer said that the players needed to be assertive right from the start, and they exactly did that. He said:

"As I mentioned right before the game that all players need to be assertive and show that intent from ball one. It's just that they weren't able to capitalize on the start they got but the intent was stupendous and even for me, I had to take some time. From the other end, the batsmen were striking pretty well. I know the more time I spend on the field, the better I get and my vision also gets better."

But I personally feel that the job is half done - Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer further said that the Punjab Kings quickly moved on from the defeat to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 and issued them a warning ahead of the final. He elaborated:

"(After the loss against RCB) Just throw the imagination and also the hiccup in the bin and not think too much about where we went wrong because throughout the season we've been playing amazing. The intent and the positivity was imperative right from the first game. One match can't define us as a team."

"(On the final) I'm just staying in the moment right now, I want to cherish this moment, go out to the dressing room and celebrate with my team that we've reached the final. But I personally feel that the job is half done, so not going to think about the final that much. Just be in the moment, rejuvenate, relax, get a massage before tomorrow's game and be in a great mindset."

When asked whether he was thinking about being acquired by Punjab Kings at the auction, Shreyas Iyer said that he was not thinking along those lines and just wanted a good team environment. Shreyas Iyer said:

"I wasn't thinking about where I'm going to go (during the auctions), I just wanted to be in a good environment. My mind space is more important than where I'm going, I'm very comfortable with the management and everyone around me have made me feel very comfortable. The environment is always positive."

Also Read: Hardik Pandya blames himself and Jasprit Bumrah for MI's Qualifier 2 loss