Shreyas Iyer's journey in the 2025 IPL season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Leading the Punjab Kings (PBKS), a team that hadn't reached an IPL final in over a decade, Iyer steered them to a memorable summit clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium ended in heartbreak, with PBKS falling short by a mere six runs. This loss marked Iyer's second IPL final defeat, adding another layer of disappointment to his otherwise stellar season.

Iyer's personal performance in IPL 2025 was remarkable. He accumulated 551 runs in 17 innings, boasting an impressive average of 50.33 and a striking strike rate of 175.07. He notched up five half-centuries, with a highest score of 97. His leadership was also commendable, with many praising his tactical acumen and ability to bring the best out of his players.

One of the standout moments of Iyer's IPL 2025 campaign was the Qualifier 2 match against Mumbai Indians (MI). PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin revealed that Iyer went against the coaching staff's opinion by choosing to bowl first after winning the toss. Despite MI setting a formidable target of 203/6, Iyer led from the front with an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, smashing eight sixes and five fours. This innings has been described as one of the greatest IPL playoff knocks of all time, securing PBKS's place in the final.

However, the final against RCB didn't go as planned for Iyer. He was dismissed cheaply for just 1 run, a moment that many believe shifted the momentum in RCB's favor. Despite a late surge from Shashank Singh, PBKS couldn't chase down the target of 191. Iyer, in the post-match interview, expressed his disappointment but lauded his team's performance throughout the season. He credited RCB's bowlers, especially Krunal Pandya, for their exceptional performance.

Adding to Iyer's woes, he suffered another final heartbreak just days after the IPL defeat. He was leading the SoBo Mumbai Falcons in the inaugural T20 Mumbai League, but his team lost to Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in the final. Iyer's personal form dipped in this match as well, scoring just 12 runs off 17 balls.

Despite the setbacks, Iyer's performance in IPL 2025 has earned him accolades from various quarters. His captaincy and batting prowess have put him in contention for the India captaincy, with some influential figures in Indian cricket suggesting that he should be considered for all three formats of the game.

Looking ahead, Iyer remains optimistic about PBKS's chances in the next IPL season. He has vowed to come back stronger and win the trophy, emphasizing the positive aspects of his team's performance and the invaluable experience gained by the youngsters. He acknowledged that the job was only half done and reiterated his commitment to leading PBKS to their first IPL title.