Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was gutted after they suffered a six-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Iyer reckons Krunal Pandya’s spell was the turning point in the game.

RCB posted 190 runs on the board after they were put into bat and Rajat Patidar’s team were able to restrict PBKS to 184 runs, to win their maiden IPL title in 18 years.

Krunal Pandya was magnificent in the final as the left-arm orthodox spinner was right on the money. Pandya is mostly known to bowl quick through the air but in the final, he used his guile and experience to vary his pace.

Pandya returned with impressive figures of 2-17 in his quota of four overs and delivered for RCB when it mattered the most. The 34-year-old accounted for Prabhsimran Singh with a slower ball and got the big wicket of Josh Inglis, who was taking the game away from RCB.

Thus, Pandya was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant spell.

Shreyas Iyer said in the post-match presentation, “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.”

On the other hand, Iyer showered praise on the team’s think tank for supporting the players throughout the season and giving their best.

Iyer added, “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. Considering the last game against MI, I personally felt that 200 was a par score.”

PBKS were able to qualify for the IPL final after a long wait of 11 years and they can be proud of the way they played throughout the season.