The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is finally coming down to its final face-off on 3 June at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS). It will be a thrilling contest as both teams chase their maiden IPL title, meaning Tuesday’s match will result in a first-time winner.
However, five players who will take part in the IPL 2025 final have already had the experience of being part of last year’s finalists, with some even getting to play in the IPL 2024 final between SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Let’s have a look at these five players, who are part of back-to-back IPL finalists despite swapping franchises.
Shreyas Iyer (KKR)
The biggest name in the list, Shreyas Iyer, became the first captain to lead three different IPL teams to the finals. Last year, the batter was the captain of KKR, leading them to their third IPL trophy by beating SRH. In the final, chasing a target of just 114, the batter was unbeaten at 6 off 3 balls as Venkatesh Iyer’s half-century sealed the win.
Surprisingly, he was not retained by the Knight Riders ahead of the auction, and PBKS made him the most expensive player ever by purchasing him for INR 26.75 crores. Iyer has repaid that faith, leading PBKS to their first final appearance since 2014, topping the group stage and defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2.
Now, Iyer has the chance to become only the third captain, besides MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, to win back-to-back IPL titles.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH)
Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been excellent this season, emerging as RCB’s joint second-highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps, and will lead the pace attack along with Josh Hazlewood.
Last year, Bhuvi played the same role for SRH, but he failed to take any wickets in the two overs, conceding 25 runs for an economy rate of 12.50.
Suyash Sharma (KKR)
Young spinner Suyash Sharma has been a revelation for RCB this season, taking eight wickets in 13 matches. Last season, he was a part of the KKR squad, playing twice. However, he was on the bench for the final match and did not get to play the final, although that is likely to change this year.
Mayank Agarwal (SRH)
Mayank Agarwal was the unlikeliest of heroes for RCB in their group-stage win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), scoring an unbeaten 41 to lead his team to a second-placed finish. Overall, he has 71 runs in just three matches this season, and Rajat Patidar may count on him as an impact substitute in tonight’s match.
Last year, Mayank had played four times for SRH, scoring 64 runs in total, but was on the bench for the final against KKR.
Phil Salt (KKR)
Phil Salt was superb for KKR last year, scoring 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 39.55 and a strike rate of 182, forming a terrific opening partnership with Sunil Narine. However, the English batter did not feature in the playoff stages, as well as the final, as he joined England’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz was drafted into the playing XI as a replacement, and he scored 39 off 32 in the final.
