From Kohli's tears to Shastri's goof – These off-field highlights were as dramatic as the final itself
IPL 2025 wasn't just about the fours, sixes, and nail-biting finishes. Beyond the cricketing heroics, the season gifted fans something even richer—emotion, drama, and unforgettable off-field moments. From legendary retirements to touching tributes, IPL 2025 had stories that tugged at heartstrings and stirred debates across the internet. Though not part of the scorecard, these incidents shaped the season's legacy and captured the heartbeat of the league. Here's a look at the top off-field moments that turned heads and warmed hearts.
After 18 seasons of heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted the IPL trophy. But what stole the limelight was Virat Kohli's emotional salute to AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. Kohli didn't just celebrate a win—he shared it. De Villiers joined him on the podium, draped in an RCB jersey, lifting the trophy like he never left. It was a moment that blurred the line between past and present. Fans called it "peak cinema," as the clip of Kohli embracing teammates and Anushka Sharma went viral. It was more than a victory; it was a love letter to RCB's journey.
A wink, a hug, and a playoff berth—Preity Zinta and Shreyas Iyer's celebration after Punjab Kings secured a top-two finish was pure joy. The viral clip of Zinta's playful wink and Iyer's shy smile became an instant fan favourite. Their chemistry reflected PBKS's resurgence—a team reborn after years of ups and downs. Zinta's visible support and Iyer's calm leadership created a buzz that extended far beyond the scoreboard. It wasn't just about cricket; it was about connection. Fans loved it, and many hoped this partnership would finally bring the elusive trophy home.
RCB's title celebrations were supposed to be a fairytale ending. But the victory parade in Bengaluru took a dramatic turn. As thousands poured into Chinnaswamy Stadium, joy turned into chaos. Fans scaled trees and clambered onto buses, and the situation spiralled into a stampede. Police had to intervene, and though only minor injuries were reported, the scene raised serious questions. Still, the moment captured the unmatched passion of RCB's faithful. Despite the chaos, the visual of Kohli holding the trophy aloft amidst a sea of red remained unforgettable—bittersweet but deeply symbolic.
Before the final ball was bowled in the IPL 2025 finale, another emotion-filled Chinnaswamy, the BCCI's tribute to the Indian Armed Forces—honouring Operation Sindoor—turned the closing ceremony into a patriotic spectacle. Flags waved, players stood solemn, and fans felt a collective pulse of pride. The brief IPL suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict made the tribute even more powerful. Videos of the moment spread like wildfire, reminding everyone that beyond entertainment, sport can also be a unifier. It was cricket saluting courage.
Not all viral moments came from players. At the final toss, Ravi Shastri delivered a classic slip—announcing Punjab Kings had opted to bat when they had chosen to bowl. The gaffe had the commentary box in stitches, and fans on X wasted no time turning it into meme gold. Shastri, always known for his energy, laughed it off with style. It was a welcome breather before the high-stakes clash—a reminder that live TV can still be charmingly imperfect.
Mid-season, the IPL paused amid geopolitical tension. And that's when Virat Kohli dropped another bombshell—his retirement from Test cricket. A heartfelt Instagram post, a quiet goodbye to whites, and just like that, an era ended. Fans mourned the legend who gave India 8,848 Test runs and a million memories. The timing—just before RCB's title run—added depth to an already emotional campaign. It wasn't just the end of a chapter. It was the beginning of Kohli 2.0, focused on family and limited-overs glory.
Not long after Kohli, another giant stepped away. Rohit Sharma bowed out of Tests, citing form struggles and a quiet farewell from the BCCI. His Instagram story was short but powerful—grateful, honest, and final. As fans digested the news, many reflected on his epic leadership during India's 2020–21 Australia series win. But whispers of BCCI pressure added an edge to the narrative. While Rohit vowed to continue in ODIs and the IPL, his departure marked another shift in Indian cricket's fabric.
