'The job is still half done, we have to be...': Heartbroken Shreyas Iyer vows to lift IPL trophy next year after PBKS lost to RCB in title clash

Shreyas Iyer was left visibly disappointment after Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered a narrow six-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The PBKS captain admitted that he is absolutely dejected but also vowed to lift the IPL trophy next year.

We want to win the trophy next year: Shreyas Iyer after PBKS lost to RCB in IPL 2025 final

The loss was particularly painful for a team that had surpassed expectations to reach their first title decider in over a decade. Despite the setback, Shreyas Iyer remained resolute, emphasising that their journey was only halfway complete. He pledged that he and his team would learn from this experience and return even stronger in the following year to continue their pursuit of the IPL title.

"Yes, absolutely dejected, to be honest. But the way the boys stepped up on the big occasions was commendable. Credit to the entire management, support staff, and every individual who contributed to this journey. The owners too, they were incredible with their support throughout. Considering the game we played here against MI two nights ago, I felt 200 was a par score. But credit to RCB's bowlers - especially Krunal Pandya. The way he bowled tonight showed his experience. He was phenomenal," Iyer said at the post-match presentation.

Despite a sensational late onslaught from Shashank Singh, who remained unbeaten with a blistering 61 runs off just 30 balls, the Punjab Kings' struggled to find the necessary momentum throughout their innings while chasing a daunting target of 191 runs. Requiring 29 runs in the final over, the task ultimately proved too challenging as Josh Hazlewood successfully closed out the match for RCB, triggering joyous and emotional celebrations within the RCB camp.

For the Iyer, this defeat, while disappointing, was not seen as the conclusion of their aspirations. Instead, he viewed it as a temporary setback, a momentary pause in their ongoing pursuit of the coveted IPL title.

"The job is still half done. We want to win the trophy next year. There are plenty of positives. So many youngsters made their debut this season, and the fearless cricket they played was simply amazing. They've gained invaluable experience and I'm sure next year, they'll come back stronger and more confident," Iyer added.

Despite the evident disappointment, Iyer found a sense of satisfaction in the progress PBKS had achieved throughout the season under his leadership.

"We played some decent cricket this season. We had ups and downs, but the group stayed together and showed tremendous fight. This isn't the end - we'll be back," he concluded.

On a night that belonged to RCB and marked the end of Virat Kohli's long wait for an IPL title, Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings walked away with their heads held high, displaying both pride and a clear sense of purpose.