The atmosphere was electric as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) clinched their spot in the IPL 2025 final, and no one was more ecstatic than co-owner Preity Zinta. Videos and images of her exuberant celebrations have gone viral, capturing the hearts of fans who have waited a long time for this moment. After defeating the Mumbai Indians (MI) in a thrilling Qualifier 2 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 1st, PBKS secured their place in the final for the first time since 2014.
Zinta's reaction was priceless. Jumping from her seat, cheering wildly, and later embracing captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting on the field, her joy was palpable. A video shared by the IPL showcased her unfiltered excitement, quickly trending across social media platforms. Zinta herself posted on X (formerly Twitter), echoing the sentiments of Punjab fans worldwide: "Wow what a win. Punjabi aa gaye oye," accompanied by heart emojis and team hashtags. This phrase, meaning "The Punjabis have arrived," perfectly encapsulated the team's triumphant return to the big stage.
The journey to the final hasn't been easy for PBKS. After finishing ninth last season, a major overhaul was initiated. Shreyas Iyer was appointed as the new captain, and Ricky Ponting replaced Trevor Bayliss as head coach. The team also entered the IPL 2025 Mega Auction with the highest-ever purse in IPL history, INR 110.5 crore, allowing them to strategically strengthen their squad. Throughout the season, PBKS displayed a strong performance, securing key victories against formidable opponents such as the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. Shreyas Iyer's captaincy and Prabhsimran Singh's explosive batting proved instrumental in their journey to the playoffs.
In Qualifier 2 against MI, PBKS chased down a challenging target of 204, securing victory with five wickets to spare. Iyer led from the front, smashing an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, including five fours and eight sixes. His masterclass innings earned him widespread praise, with many hailing it as one of the finest knocks of the tournament. Nehal Wadhera also played a crucial role, contributing a valuable 48 off 29 balls and forming a game-changing partnership with Iyer.
PBKS's success this season can be attributed to a combination of factors. The team has displayed consistent performances both at home and away, winning 10 out of 17 matches. The leadership of Shreyas Iyer and the guidance of coach Ricky Ponting have been vital in creating a winning environment. The team has also benefited from the strong performances of key players such as Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya and Yuzvendra Chahal.
However, their victory came at a cost. Shreyas Iyer was fined Rs 24 lakh for a slow over rate during the Qualifier 2 match. The other members of the playing XI were also fined either Rs 6 lakh or 25 percent of their match fees, whichever was lesser.
Now, PBKS will face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final on June 3rd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams will be vying for their first IPL title, guaranteeing that IPL 2025 will crown a new champion. For PBKS, this is more than just a game; it's an opportunity to end their 11-year wait and bring the trophy home. And as Preity Zinta's joyous celebrations suggest, the entire Punjab is behind them, roaring "Punjabi aa gaye oye!"
