The Indian Premier League 2025 has been a season of surprises, and none more thrilling than the resurgence of Punjab Kings (PBKS). After years of rebuilding and near-misses, the franchise has finally broken through to reach the IPL final—their first since 2014.
On June 1, 2025, Punjab Kings faced off against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. Chasing a daunting total of 204, PBKS delivered one of the most thrilling run chases in IPL playoff history.
Shreyas Iyer, the PBKS skipper, led by example with an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, featuring crisp boundaries and calculated risks.
The middle-order supported well, with Liam Livingstone and Sikandar Raza providing crucial cameos.
Punjab reached the target with 5 wickets in hand, booking their spot in the June 3 final.
This marked a defining win not only for the team but also for Iyer, who became the first captain in IPL history to take three different teams to the final.
PBKS had a strong group stage campaign, finishing top of the table with 9 wins from 14 matches. Their form was consistent, fueled by solid team combinations and tactical decisions.
Key contributors included:
Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh in the bowling attack.
Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, and Sam Curran with key performances.
They faced a temporary setback in Qualifier 1, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but came back stronger in Qualifier 2.
Co-owner Preity Zinta, who has been with the team since its inception in 2008, became a symbol of loyalty and resilience. Her celebratory wink and wave after the win became a viral moment, capturing the joy of PBKS fans worldwide.
She has stood by the team through ups and downs, and this qualification to the final is as much a victory for her as it is for the squad.
The final on June 3, 2025, will see Punjab Kings take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Both franchises have never won an IPL title, making it a historic opportunity for either side to claim their maiden trophy.
Venue: Likely to be Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Star Battle: Virat Kohli vs Shreyas Iyer — experience vs firepower.
Fan Wars: The two most passionate fanbases in IPL will be glued to their screens.
The Punjab Kings have carried the underdog tag for too long. Their performance this season has been driven by strategy, leadership, and a never-say-die spirit. With form and momentum on their side, this could be their year of redemption.
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