Heartbreak awaits as Iyer and Kohli set for IPL final showdown: A tale of redemption and legacy

In a season scripted like a blockbuster, cricket fans are bracing for an emotional IPL final—where one of two modern giants will walk away with heartbreak.

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Shreyas Iyer, the resilient leader, has once again defied odds. After guiding Delhi Capitals to a final in 2020 and being unceremoniously dropped, then leading Kolkata Knight Riders to a title-winning campaign only to be sidelined again, Iyer now finds himself at the helm of a rejuvenated Punjab side that’s reached its first final in 11 years. His fearless strokeplay, even against death-over specialists like Bumrah and Boult, has earned him respect, if not yet stability.

On the other side is Virat Kohli—the titan who has carried Royal Challengers Bengaluru for over a decade. Year after year, Kohli delivers thousands of runs, silencing critics with consistency. But the one thing that’s eluded him is the IPL trophy. This year might just be his best shot.

Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli summed it up aptly on social media, calling the moment “a heartbreak waiting to happen”—because cricket’s script won’t allow both to win.

Iyer guiding Bumrah’s and Boult’s yorkers to the third man boundary… Exquisite…

This man leads Delhi to a final… and is dropped…
Leads Kolkata to a trophy… dropped…
Leads a young Punjab to the finals after 11 years.
He deserves this year’s trophy too…

On the other hand,… pic.twitter.com/ws0anhcZ3l

— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli)

Iyer guiding Bumrah’s and Boult’s yorkers to the third man boundary… Exquisite…

This man leads Delhi to a final… and is dropped…
Leads Kolkata to a trophy… dropped…
Leads a young Punjab to the finals after 11 years.
He deserves this year’s trophy too…

On the other hand,… pic.twitter.com/ws0anhcZ3l

— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) June 2, 2025

">June 2, 2025

No matter who lifts the trophy tonight, the game will leave one hero with moist eyes. Whether it's Iyer’s redemption arc or Kohli’s final frontier, this IPL finale promises not just cricket, but cinema.