PBKS vs MI IPL 2025: Did Shreyas Iyer Take Jibe At KKR After Qualifier 2 With 'Positive Environment' Remark?

PBKS vs MI: In what appeared to be a veiled jab at his former franchise, Shreyas Iyer spoke candidly about the importance of a "positive environment" following Punjab Kings' (PBKS) thrilling five-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025, a victory that sealed PBKS' second-ever final appearance.

"I wasn't thinking about where I'm going to go (during the auctions), I just wanted to be in a good environment," Iyer said after the match. "My mind space is more important than where I'm going. I'm very comfortable with the management and everyone around me have made me feel very comfortable. The environment is always positive."

While the comments may seem innocuous at first glance, they are being widely interpreted as a pointed dig at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - the very franchise he led to an IPL title just last season.

Rift Between Iyer and KKR

Iyer's fallout with KKR began shortly before the IPL 2025 auctions. Despite leading them to their third IPL title in 2023 and topping the league stage that season, Iyer's relationship with the franchise reportedly soured over selection autonomy and dressing room dynamics.

Eventually, KKR released Iyer ahead of the 2025 auction, a surprising move that sparked intense speculation. Punjab Kings swooped in during the auction, not only acquiring Iyer but also naming him captain in his debut season - a decision that is now paying massive dividends.

PBKS vs MI, Qualifier 2: A Night to Remember

Batting first, Mumbai Indians looked in control early on, with contributions from Jonny Bairstow (38 off 24), Tilak Varma (44 off 29), and Suryakumar Yadav (44 off 26) pushing them to a strong total of 203/6.

However, PBKS bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. Azmatullah Omarzai (2/43), Vyshak (1/30), and Stoinis chipped in to pull things back.

In reply, PBKS lost Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya early, but Josh Inglis (38 off 21) and Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29) revived the chase. But the night truly belonged to Shreyas Iyer, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls, smashing 5 fours and 8 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 212.

Under immense pressure, Iyer's calculated aggression dismantled MI's seasoned bowling attack, including Jasprit Bumrah, who endured one of his worst outings of the season.

PBKS chased down the target in 19 overs, ending MI's unbeaten streak of defending 200+ totals and booking their place in the IPL final for the first time since 2014.

With this win, Iyer not only guided PBKS to a historic final but also became the first captain in IPL history to lead three different teams to the final - Delhi Capitals (2020), KKR (2023), and now PBKS (2025).

His comments post-match underscore not just his form and leadership, but also hint at the mental toll his KKR exit may have taken. Now thriving in a new, supportive environment, Iyer is once again proving that the right backing off the field can spark brilliance on it.

The final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru awaits, but win or lose, Shreyas Iyer's IPL 2025 story is already one for the ages - marked by resilience and redemption.