‘Sarpanch Saab’ Shreyas Iyer: The Narendra Modi Stadium is set for the high-energy PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 final. Both sides, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), are looking to win their maiden IPL championship, making this encounter one of the most anticipated finals in recent times.
Shreyas Iyer on the ‘Sarpanch Saab’ Tag: “It Just Stuck”
𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐁, Bas Jeetna Hai! 🏆♥️ pic.twitter.com/7qtyFW4N4Y
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 3, 2025
Advertisement
One of the key players in PBKS’s road to the final has been captain Shreyas Iyer, who has led from the front, not least with a match-winning innings in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians. In the lead-up to the PBKS vs RCB contest, Iyer spoke out about his viral nickname “Sarpanch Saab.”
During a light-hearted conversation with team co-owner Preity Zinta, Iyer remarked:
“I seriously don’t know how I got this name. It seems like the management gave it to me, and now it’s here to stay. It feels quite natural. Wherever I go in Punjab particularly in Chandigarh fans chant ‘Sarpanch Saab’ for photos.”
‘Rename the Road if We Win’ Fans’ Emotional Connect with Iyer
Remembering a funny fan encounter, Iyer said:
“We were coming back from a game in an Innova, and at a traffic light, a vehicle pulled over beside us. Five men yelled, ‘Sarpanch Saab, jeeta dena iss saal, yahan ka ek rasta aapke naam kar denge‘”
This snapshot described the extent to which Punjab Kings fans have adopted Iyer, not only as a captain but as a reflection of native pride and aspirations.
PBKS’s Stunning Return: First Playoffs Since 2014
PBKS’s qualification for the IPL 2025 final is particularly noteworthy as it’s their first playoff qualification since 2014. Led by Iyer, the team has demonstrated toughness and consistency throughout the season.
His composed leadership and match-winning performances have made him a fan favorite and have given him the now-iconic nickname of “Sarpanch Saab.”
PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Record in IPL
Total Matches Played: 36
Wins by RCB: 18
Wins by PBKS: 18
The PBKS vs RCB rivalry has been keenly fought over the years. In the IPL 2025 season, the two teams clashed three times:
RCB won twice
PBKS won once
This then sets the stage for an exciting decider in the final.
Toss update: PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Final
Shreyas Iyer called for the toss tails and won the IPL 2025 final toss, PBKS vs RCB. Shreyas chose to bowl first and let RCB put up a total in the thrilling final of the biggest league in the world.
Playing 11 of both teams in PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025
Punjab Kings:
Advertisement
Shreyas Iyer (C)
Priyansh Arya
Josh Inglis
Nehal Wadhera
Shashank Singh
Marcus Stoinis
Vijay Kumar Vaishak
Azamtullah Omarzai
Kyle Jamieson
Yuzvendra Chahal
Arshdeep Singh
Impact player: Prabhsimran Singh, Xavier Bartlet, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Praveen Dubey
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Rajat Patidar (C)
Virat Kohli
Phil Salt
Mayank Aggrawal
Liam Livingston
Jitesh Sharma
Romario Shepherd
Krunal Pandya
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Yash Dayal
Josh Hazlewood
Impact players: Suyash Sharma, Raseekh Dar, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert.
ALSO READ: Chaos At The Oval: West Indies Delayed By Traffic, Toss Postponed
Advertisement