Punjab Kings (PBKS) fell agonizingly short in the IPL 2025 final, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a tightly contested match. Team co-owner Preity Zinta took to Instagram to commend the grit and fighting spirit of captain Shreyas Iyer and the entire PBKS squad. Despite challenges such as player injuries, venue shifts, and a season interruption, PBKS topped the points table and showcased formidable depth. In the final, RCB’s total of 190/9 proved just out of reach, with PBKS finishing at 184/7. Zinta’s heartfelt note promises a determined comeback next year, underscoring the emotional highs and lows of a remarkable season.
Preity Zinta’s Message of Resilience
Two days after the IPL final, Preity Zinta expressed her emotions in a heartfelt Instagram post. “It didn’t end the way we wanted it to but the journey was spectacular,” she began, praising the team’s unyielding spirit. She lauded captain Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, calling him “our Sarpanch,” and noted the impressive performances of India’s uncapped players, who defied expectations and rose to the occasion.
Zinta reflected on the season’s unique challenges — from key injuries and national duty to venue changes and even stadium evacuations. Despite these hurdles, she celebrated PBKS topping the points table for the first time in a decade and pushing the final to the wire. Her message was one of unwavering support and hope: “I promise we will come back to finish the job… the job is still half done,” she wrote, concluding with a heartfelt thank-you to the fans.
The IPL 2025 Final: A Close Contest
The final match began with PBKS winning the toss and electing to field first. Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson delivered crucial breakthroughs, finishing with figures of 3/40 and 3/48, respectively. Yuzvendra Chahal also played his part, conceding 37 runs while picking up one key wicket. Virat Kohli anchored RCB’s innings with a patient 43 off 35 balls, while Rajat Patidar (26 in 16), Jitesh Sharma (24 in 10), and Liam Livingstone (25 in 15) bolstered the middle order to post a competitive 190/9.
PBKS’ Valiant Chase Falls Short
Chasing 191 for victory, PBKS began with a promising 43-run opening partnership between Priyansh Arya (24 in 19) and Prabhsimran Singh (26 in 22). Josh Inglis’ explosive 39 from 23 deliveries, featuring four sixes, kept hopes alive. Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, including six sixes and three fours, was a thrilling finish, capped by a spectacular 22-run burst in the final over. However, disciplined spells from Krunal Pandya (2/17), Yash Dayal (1/18), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38) ultimately curtailed PBKS’ chase, leaving them seven runs short.
A Season of Hope and Promise
Though Punjab Kings narrowly missed clinching their first IPL title, the campaign was a testament to the team’s depth and determination. Preity Zinta’s tribute encapsulated the pride and gratitude felt by the franchise for their players and devoted supporters. As PBKS regroups and looks to the future, the team’s resilience and fighting spirit suggest that the dream of an IPL crown remains well within reach — and unfinished business will fuel their return.
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