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The stage is set for the IPL 2025 final, a contest between two teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), both eager to lift the trophy for the first time. The Narendra Modi Stadium will host the high-voltage title clash between RCB and PBKS and excitement among fans is palpable as the match draws closer.
'Tag of Sarpanch Saab because it's just kind of stuck and somehow it feels very organic':ย Shreyas Iyer
Both teams have had sensational journeys to reach this point, particularly Punjab Kings, who are making their first playoff appearance since 2014. A key figure in their success has been Shreyas Iyer, whose exceptional performance in Qualifier 2 played a crucial role in eliminating the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI).
Shreyas Iyer has become a beloved figure among Punjab Kings supporters, who affectionately refer to him as "Sarpanch," a testament to his leadership and impact throughout the season. Recently, Preity Zinta, co-owner of the Punjab Kings, was seen inquiring about this nickname. In response, the Punjab captain shared that he has been addressed by this title wherever he has gone. He also recounted an amusing anecdote where fans from Punjab promised to rename a road after him if the team emerges victorious in the IPL final.
"You have been named Sarpanch Saab. So how does a Mumbai boy who went to Kolkata now become a Punjabi? How is this tag of Sarpanch Saab because it's just kind of stuck and somehow it feels very organic," Shreyas Iyer said during a conversation with Preity Zinta.
"I seriously have no idea about it. I have got no clue how I got this name, but I am sure it came from the management. They gave me this tag and it's been tagged along. So, wherever I go in Punjab right now, in Chandigarh, whenever I get out of the hotel, they are like Sarpanch saab ek picture lelo, Sarpanch Saab. Toh hua hai bohot saare incidents but, yeah, I man, I remember this incident where we were just coming back from the ground in our Innova, so we were stopped at the signal and there was this car filled with five guys. They saw me sitting in the car and they were like, Sarpanch Saab, iss saal jeeta dena, to yaha ka ek rasta aapke naam kar denge," he added.
Talking about the head-to-head record between RCB and PBKS, Bengaluru have won 18 matches while Punjab have also clinched as many wins in a total of 36 encounters played between them in IPL
Throughout the current IPL season, RCB and PBKS have faced each other in three encounters. Out of these matches, RCB have won onย two occasions, while PBKS have secured just one win.
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