Mumbai, June 5, 2025:
The aftermath of the IPL 2025 final has taken a dramatic turn as former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh launched a strong verbal attack on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer, sharply criticizing his tactical decisions during the title clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Labeling Iyer’s move as a “criminal offence” in cricketing terms, Singh expressed deep disappointment over the KKR skipper’s call to bench star pacer Mitchell Starc during the crucial death overs. The decision proved costly, as Hyderabad managed to chase the target successfully in a tense finish, clinching the championship with two balls to spare.
“This kind of decision-making is unacceptable in a high-pressure match like the final,” said Yograj Singh in a post-match interaction with the media. “You don’t sideline your most experienced bowler when the game is on the line. It shows a complete lapse in leadership and judgment.”
Shreyas Iyer’s choice to rely on lesser-experienced bowlers during the final overs has triggered widespread criticism. Analysts and fans alike questioned the rationale behind keeping Starc — known for his death-over prowess — out of action when the opposition was accelerating towards victory.
While Iyer had a successful run as KKR captain throughout the season, leading the team to the top of the points table and into the final, his decisions in the final overs of the tournament’s biggest match have now come under scrutiny.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra also joined the debate, stating, “Captains are remembered for how they handle pressure moments. In a final, logic needs to be backed by intuition and experience.”
Despite the backlash, no official response has been released by the KKR team management or Shreyas Iyer himself. Sources within the franchise have hinted at a potential internal review ahead of the next IPL season, as discussions grow louder over the need for a fresh approach to leadership in crunch situations.
Meanwhile, several voices from the cricketing community have called for a more balanced evaluation, urging fans to consider the overall performance of the team and Iyer’s contributions throughout the season.
As the dust settles on IPL 2025, the controversy surrounding Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy in the final is likely to remain a talking point in cricket circles. Yograj Singh’s harsh remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate, raising critical questions about decision-making and responsibility in high-stakes T20 matches.
