The IPL 2025 final has captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. Held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this epic clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) has lived up to its billing. Both teams are vying for their maiden IPL title, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In the midst of this high-pressure encounter, one performance stood out in PBKS’s innings — Jitesh Sharma’s explosive cameo of 24 runs off just 10 balls.
Jitesh’s innings, coming at a critical juncture in the match, turned the tide for PBKS and set the stage for what promises to be a nail-biting finish. Let’s dive deeper into the significance of his knock, its impact on the match, and the potential outcomes of this enthralling contest.
Setting the Scene: The Build-Up to the Final
The IPL 2025 season has been a rollercoaster ride. PBKS and RCB have been two of the most consistent teams, earning their spots in the final through grit, determination, and moments of brilliance. For PBKS, led by the dynamic Shreyas Iyer, this final represents a chance to shed their underdog status and claim their place among the league’s elite. RCB, on the other hand, are fueled by a burning desire to end their long wait for an IPL trophy, with legends like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis leading the charge.
The toss saw PBKS opting to bat first, a decision influenced by the venue’s history of favoring teams that set a target in high-pressure games. The team’s top order provided a steady platform, but it was Jitesh Sharma’s fiery cameo that added the fireworks needed to tilt the momentum in their favor.
Analyzing Jitesh Sharma’s Knock: Fireworks in the Death Overs
Jitesh Sharma walked to the crease at a critical juncture. PBKS had lost their well-set batsmen and were struggling to accelerate in the death overs. With just a few overs remaining and the RCB bowlers applying relentless pressure, PBKS needed someone to step up and deliver a quick burst of runs. Sharma answered the call with an innings that combined raw power with calculated aggression.
Key Stats from Sharma’s Innings
- Runs Scored: 24
- Balls Faced: 10
- Strike Rate: 240
- Boundaries: 3 sixes, 1 four
How Sharma Made a Difference
- Starting Strong: From the very first ball he faced, Sharma made his intentions clear. He lofted a length delivery over long-on for six, immediately putting the bowler under pressure.
- Targeting Key Bowlers: Sharma didn’t shy away from taking on RCB’s best bowlers. His ability to pick gaps and clear the boundary with ease disrupted RCB’s plans.
- Maintaining Momentum: By keeping the scoreboard ticking with aggressive stroke play, Sharma ensured that PBKS finished their innings with a flourish.
Shot of the Day
One of the standout moments was a breathtaking six off Mohammed Siraj, where Sharma executed a pick-up shot with impeccable timing, sending the ball sailing over deep square leg. This shot not only showcased his skill but also sent a clear message to RCB’s bowlers that he was in charge.
The Ripple Effect: How Sharma’s Knock Impacted PBKS’s Innings
1. Boosting the Total
PBKS’s innings was teetering on the edge of mediocrity before Sharma’s arrival. With wickets falling and the run rate dipping, a below-par score seemed imminent. Sharma’s 24 off 10 injected much-needed momentum, propelling PBKS to a competitive total of 176/7.
2. Shifting the Psychological Balance
In T20 cricket, momentum is everything. Sharma’s assault in the final overs rattled RCB’s bowlers and gave PBKS a surge of confidence as they headed into the break. Such psychological shifts can often influence the outcome of tight matches.
3. Providing a Template for Success
Sharma’s innings served as a blueprint for how to tackle RCB’s bowlers in the death overs. By attacking the shorter lengths and exploiting the gaps in the field, he demonstrated the importance of fearless cricket under pressure.
The Bigger Picture: How the Match is Shaping Up
PBKS’s Innings
PBKS’s batting lineup was built around stability at the top and power in the middle. Shreyas Iyer’s steady 45 off 32 balls and Liam Livingstone’s quickfire 38 off 20 laid a solid foundation. However, it was Sharma’s late burst that transformed a decent score into a challenging target.
RCB’s Bowling
RCB’s bowlers had a mixed outing. Mohammed Siraj and Wanindu Hasaranga were outstanding in the powerplay and middle overs, restricting PBKS’s scoring opportunities. However, their death bowling lacked the precision needed to contain Sharma’s onslaught
What Lies Ahead: The Chase
RCB now faces the daunting task of chasing 177 to secure their first IPL title. Their batting lineup is packed with firepower, but they will need to execute their plans perfectly to overcome PBKS’s bowling attack.
Key Players to Watch
- Virat Kohli: RCB’s talismanic batter will be the key to anchoring the chase. His ability to build partnerships and accelerate at the right time could prove decisive.
- Faf du Plessis: As the opener, du Plessis has the responsibility of providing a strong start and taking advantage of the powerplay.
PBKS’s Bowling Attack
- Kagiso Rabada: The experienced pacer will spearhead PBKS’s attack, looking to claim early breakthroughs.
- Arshdeep Singh: A specialist in the death overs, Singh will aim to stifle RCB’s finishers with his pinpoint accuracy.
Predictions: Who Has the Upper Hand?
While PBKS has the runs on the board and the confidence of finishing strongly, RCB’s batting depth and experience make them formidable challengers. The match could hinge on the following factors:
- RCB’s Powerplay Performance: If Kohli and du Plessis can build a strong opening partnership, RCB will be in a commanding position.
- PBKS’s Fielding: Saving runs and taking key catches could tilt the scales in PBKS’s favor.
- Handling Pressure: In a final, nerves often play a huge role. The team that stays calm and executes their plans will likely emerge victorious.
Conclusion: A Grand Finale in the Making
Jitesh Sharma’s 24 off 10 balls may not have been the highest score of the match, but its significance cannot be overstated. His fearless hitting under pressure has given PBKS a fighting chance to claim their maiden IPL title. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on RCB’s response and whether their star-studded lineup can rise to the occasion.
Regardless of the outcome, this IPL final has already cemented its place as one of the most thrilling contests in the league’s history. For cricket fans, this is what the IPL is all about — high stakes, breathtaking performances, and the magic of the game.