In the aftermath of Punjab Kings’ narrow loss in the IPL 2025 final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a surprising revelation by batter Shashank Singh has caught the attention of fans and cricket insiders alike. Singh admitted he was at fault during a crucial phase of the tournament and even went as far as to say, “I deserve it; Iyer should have slapped me.”
The statement refers to a moment during Punjab Kings’ Qualifier 2 match against Mumbai Indians, where captain Shreyas Iyer was seen visibly furious at Singh following a near-costly dismissal. The team eventually won the match and booked their place in the final, but the exchange between the two players became one of the most discussed moments of the playoffs. Singh, in his own words, explained that he had not been focused during a critical time and was behaving too casually, saying, “I was walking on the beach, not even in the garden.”
Despite the tension during the match, Singh praised Iyer’s leadership, calling him the best T20 captain he has played under. He highlighted Iyer’s calm demeanor and openness to communication, noting that the captain treated everyone equally and even sought feedback from his players during games. In a gesture that underlines Iyer’s balanced approach to leadership, Singh revealed that the skipper took him out for dinner after the incident, demonstrating that the reprimand was not personal but meant to uplift and realign.
Punjab Kings' sensational run in IPL 2025
Punjab Kings had an impressive run in the 2025 season, finishing at the top of the table and reaching their first final since 2014. However, their campaign ended in heartbreak as RCB edged past them by just six runs in a gripping finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match saw standout performances from Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Virat Kohli, who finally lifted the IPL trophy after years of pursuit.
While the loss stung, especially for co-owner Preity Zinta who was visibly emotional post-match, the team’s resurgence and growth under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership have been widely acknowledged. Shashank Singh’s forthright admission and the captain’s composed response paint a picture of a maturing side, learning from its mistakes and building for the future.
As the dust settles on IPL 2025, the emotional honesty shown by Singh and the integrity of Iyer's captaincy offer fans a deeper look into the team dynamics that often remain hidden behind the on-field drama. For Punjab Kings, these moments could serve as the foundation for future success.
