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Former India cricketer Yograj Singh launched a scathing attack on Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer following his disappointing performance in the IPL 2025 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), branding his reckless dismissal as a "criminal offence."

After an inspiring match-winning 87* against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, expectations were high from Iyer to deliver again in the high-pressure final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing a competitive target of 191, Punjab Kings lost early wickets, and Iyer walked in at No. 4 after the dismissal of Prabhsimran Singh. However, he could only manage one run off two balls before edging a loose shot off Romario Shepherd to wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.

The dismissal, which came at a crucial juncture, proved to be one of the turning points as Punjab Kings narrowly fell short by just six runs, handing RCB their maiden IPL title.

Yograj Singh, known for his outspoken views, did not hold back while criticizing Iyer’s shot selection.

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"The shot which Shreyas Iyer played in the final was a criminal offence, according to me. Ashok Mankad told me about this criminal offence, which comes under Section 302," Yograj said in a video interview.

Chandigarh: Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh says, "In yesterday's match, there was only one criminal — Shreyas Iyer, captain of the Punjab team... When you think you are so big, this is what happens..." pic.twitter.com/V97n9yOLub

— IANS (@ians_india) June 4, 2025

Yograj, the father of two-time World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh, further questioned Iyer’s leadership and his ability to rise in pressure situations.

"There was only one criminal in yesterday's match. He was the captain of Punjab team, Shreyas Iyer. If someone asks him that whenever you have played well and won, you know there is no one behind you.

He went on to highlight the humbling nature of the sport and contrasted Iyer’s performance with that of cricketing legends.

"No One Is Bigger Than The Game"

"No one is greater than cricket. When you think yes I am great, then this happens. And as said before, two people will be playing. There are many players. But the greats and finishers in between. In India there were only two players. Dhoni & Yuvraj. They won us 92 games, losing game. Both have winning rate. Yuvi has a winning rate of 92% and has won 72 single handedly. That is called player."

Yograj concluded his fiery remarks by expressing deep frustration with Iyer's inability to carry the team in a critical moment.

"So tell me this. You took Punjab team to final. When you performed the team won. What did you do yesterday?

Virat Kohli played 40 runs. 80 runs. Ok. But he also scored a shot. 11.5 overs. And that was out. So I think there is only one person who has won the match yesterday. He is your captain. For whom I am very angry. Because of what happened yesterday. Nobody will see. What happens tomorrow nobody knows. But today. We talked about it."

Yograj Singh's comments have stirred debate in the cricketing fraternity, raising questions about accountability, leadership under pressure, and the expectations placed on top-tier players in high-stakes matches.