PBKS vs MI IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer Scripts History, Becomes Only Captain In IPL History To Achieve Massive Feat

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PBKS vs MI: In a landmark moment for Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Shreyas Iyer on Sunday became the first-ever captain to lead three different franchises to the IPL final, as his composed leadership and brilliant batting powered Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a stunning five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Iyer's latest feat came in a high-pressure knockout where PBKS chased down a daunting 204-run target, securing a place in their first final since 2014.

Having previously taken Delhi Capitals (2020) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2023) to the summit clash, Iyer's historic third final appearance with a third team cements his legacy as one of the most versatile and successful captains in IPL history.

With this win, Iyer also entered the elite 50-win club as an IPL skipper, joining legends like MS Dhoni (136), Rohit Sharma (87), Gautam Gambhir (71), and Virat Kohli (66). Across 85 matches as captain, he now boasts 50 wins, including two via Super Over, with a healthy win percentage of over 57%.

Iyer is also the only captain to top the league stage with two different teams in back-to-back seasons-KKR in 2023 and PBKS in 2024.

Batting first, MI piled up 203/6-a total they had never lost defending in IPL history. However, that streak ended in dramatic fashion as PBKS, led by Iyer, pulled off one of the season's most memorable chases.

Jonny Bairstow (38), Tilak Varma (44), and Suryakumar Yadav (44) kept MI on course for a 210+ total, but PBKS' bowlers tightened things up late. Azmatullah Omarzai (2/43) led the fightback while Stoinis, Vyshak, Jamieson, and Chahal chipped in with wickets at crucial moments.

PBKS stumbled early in their chase, losing Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya inside the Powerplay. Josh Inglis reignited the innings with a 21-ball 38 before falling. From there, it was all Shreyas Iyer.

Playing one of the great IPL playoff innings, the skipper remained unbeaten on 87 off 41 balls (5 fours, 8 sixes), forging an 84-run stand with Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29) that set the foundation for victory. Marcus Stoinis stayed calm at the other end as PBKS crossed the finish line in the 19th over.

With this historic win, Punjab Kings set up a blockbuster final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). For MI, a strong season ends just one step short of the title clash, and with their once-perfect record in defending 200+ scores finally broken.

But the spotlight firmly rests on Shreyas Iyer-the tactician who made history by becoming the first IPL captain to guide three franchises to the final, proving once again that when it comes to leading from the front, he is in a league of his own.