Yograj Singh Slams Shreyas Iyer’s Dismissal in IPL 2025 Final as a “Criminal Offence”
Yograthj Singh called Shreyas Iyer's soft dismissal in the IPL 2025 final a “criminal offence.” RCB clinched their maiden title after defeating PBKS by six wickets in Ahmedabad.
Former Indian cricketer Yograj Sing has stirred controversy by sharply criticising Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer following his early dismissal in the IPL 2025 final. Singh did not mince words, labelling the shot selection that led to Iyer’s downfall as a “criminal offence,” an expression he attributed to a cricketing anecdote told by Asok Mankad.
RCB finally broke their 18-year-long jinx by defeating PBKS by six wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The dramatic final saw Punjab Kings collapse under pressure, with Shreyas Iyer’s wicket becoming a pivotal moment. Iyar lasted only two balls, scoring a single before falling to a Romario Shepherd delivery, caught by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.
Reacting to the dismissal, Yograj Singh told ANI, "The shot which Shreyas Iyer played in the final was a criminal offence, according to me. Ashok Mankad told me about this criminal offence, which comes under Section 302. He also told me that the repercussions of this is that you will be banned for two matches. What Shreyas did yesterday is not acceptable. There is no apology for that."
Punjab Kings had earlier won the toss and opted to bowl first. Their bowlers made a valiant effort, with Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) delivering critical breakthroughs. Yuzvendra Chahal also contributed by keeping the scoring rate in check.
Despite that, RCB’s betters held their nerves. Virat Kohli scored 43 off 35 balls with elegance, while Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, and Liam Livingstone escalated the run rate at crucial intervals. RCB ended at 190/9 in their 20 overs, thanks to those aggressive cameos.
PBKS began their chase with promise. Priyansh Arya Prabhsimran Singh added a sturdy 43-run partnership. Then Josh Inglis and Shashank Singh ignited hopes with explosive batting. Shashank’s unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, including a staggering 22 runs in the final over, almost pulled off a miracle.
However, RCB’s bowling unit showed tactical brilliance. Krunal Pandya’s spell of 2/17 proved match-defining, alongside support from Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Their collective effort held PBKS to 184/7, sealing the title for Bengaluru.
Krunal Pandya was rightfully named Player of the Match for his economical and game-turning bowling.
