Shreyas Iyer admits he barely slept after PBKS’ thrilling win over MI; stays restless ahead of IPL 2025 final vs RCB in Ahmedabad.
Shreyas Iyer in the Zone but Not Yet Content Ahead of IPL 2025 Final
Shreyas Iyer barely caught any sleep after his match-winning 87* against Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad, a knock that propelled Punjab Kings into their first IPL final in 11 years. Yet, despite the historic feat, the Punjab captain admitted he’s still not at peace, with the ultimate test awaiting—Sunday’s final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
With crucial support from Josh Inglis, Priyansh Arya, and Nehal Wadhera, Iyer masterfully guided Punjab to chase down 204 with an over to spare in the second Qualifier. Reflecting on his mindset, Iyer revealed he had entered a focused “zone” well before the game began—a mental space that remained intact until his last blow sealed the victory.
“When I say that I am in the zone, it starts before the match—from the warm-up to how you plan and approach the game,” Shreyas Iyer explained in a pre-final press conference. “Once I was locked in, I knew how I wanted to rally the players. They did a phenomenal job in restricting Mumbai to 203. I had a clear plan for that red-soil surface. We got a great start, and once my eyes were set, it was all about flow and backing my instincts. I’m happy, but not content.”
Shreyas Iyer Battles Fatigue as PBKS Aim for Redemption in IPL Final
When asked about his sleep after a late finish to their previous match, PBKS star Shreyas Iyer revealed he barely managed four hours of rest before jumping into pre-final duties, including attending the press conference.
Punjab Kings, who topped the league stage, were convincingly beaten by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first Qualifier last Thursday in Chandigarh, suffering an eight-wicket defeat. It marked their second straight loss to Rajat Patidar’s RCB—both at the same venue. As they gear up for the final on Tuesday, PBKS will be eager to turn the tables, while RCB enjoy the edge of a five-day recovery period ahead of the title clash.