IPL 2025 Final: Ravi Shastri's Toss Blunder Steals the Show
High Drama at the IPL 2025 Final Toss
The eagerly anticipated IPL 2025 final featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings began with unexpected excitement—not on the pitch, but during the toss. Former Indian coach and commentator Ravi Shastri became the center of attention for his amusing mistake while announcing the toss result.
Positioned at the center of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad alongside captains Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) and Rajat Patidar (RCB), Shastri infused the moment with his characteristic enthusiasm, only to amusingly misstate the outcome.
He declared, "Breaking News from the Narendra Modi Stadium at prime time is… Punjab Kings have won the toss and decided to bat first (mimicking a bat swing)… I apologize, bowl first," quickly correcting himself but not before igniting a social media frenzy.
Fans React to Shastri's Toss Mishap
The incident was swiftly shared across various platforms, with fans humorously commenting on Shastri's signature dramatics and his unexpected slip-up.
One user remarked, "Ravi Shastri's energy is unmatched. He got the toss result wrong, but delivered it with such conviction that I almost believed him."
Another fan suggested, "Ravi Shastri deserves his own reality show. Every toss with him is pure entertainment."
Ravi Shastri, "Punjab Kings have won the Toss and decided to Bat First, I beg your pardon Bowl First." Typical Ravi during Toss Time!
Punjab Kings Opt to Bowl First
Despite the laughter surrounding the toss, Shreyas Iyer confirmed that the Punjab Kings had indeed chosen to bowl first. Both teams maintained the same playing XIs as in their previous matches.
RCB XI: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood.
PBKS XI: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Aiming for Their First IPL Title
Both teams have passionate supporters and impressive lineups, yet neither has claimed the IPL trophy in the league's 18-year history. RCB is competing in their fourth final, having previously finished as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Meanwhile, PBKS is making their second final appearance, their first since 2014.
RCB secured their spot in the final by defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1 after finishing second in the league stage with 19 points. PBKS, who topped the table, rebounded in Qualifier 2 with a victory over the Mumbai Indians to earn their place in the final.