Just under two weeks after steering Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, Shreyas Iyer is set to lead the SoBo Mumbai Falcons in yet another championship match—the T20 Mumbai League’s third season. After coming so close last time, Iyer is determined to go the distance and lift the trophy.

The Falcons will face the in-form Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, under the dependable captaincy of Siddhesh Lad, in the final on Thursday. Both teams enter this climactic showdown riding high on momentum, depth, and standout performances, promising an exhilarating contest at the legendary Wankhede Stadium.

—

The T20 Mumbai League stands as one of India’s premier domestic franchise-based T20 competitions, allowing emerging talents to compete alongside established stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, and Shivam Dube. This season has showcased remarkable individual feats, with Sairaj Patil of Eagle Thane Strikers leading the run charts and claiming the Orange Cap, having scored 233 runs with a top score of 61.

Shashank Attarde from Eagle Thane Strikers holds the Purple Cap with 11 wickets for his consistent wicket-taking abilities. Other standout performers include Suryakumar, Siddhant Adhatrao from Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, Suved Parkar from Bandra Blasters, and Siddhessh and Chinmay Sutar from Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals—all of whom made significant contributions with half-centuries during the league stage.

Royals Lean on Experienced Core

Siddhesh Lad’s journey has been characterized by consistency and leadership. Following a match-winning unbeaten 74 in the semifinal against Eagle Strikers Thane, he’s guided his team through a demanding league phase. Lad believes the Royals are hitting their peak at the right time.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to reach the finals. We’ve put in a lot of hard work leading up to the tournament. While everyone was fatigued, the atmosphere in the camp remained light and enjoyable,” Lad remarked before the final.

He credited the seasoned players for stepping up in crucial moments, particularly Rohan Raje, who achieved the tournament’s first five-wicket haul, and Aditya Dhumal, whose early breakthroughs secured their semifinal victory.

“As we head into the final, we’re not dwelling too much on it. Yes, there’s pressure as it’s the final, but we aim to maintain our composure and bring out the best in the squad,” he said.

“Irfan (Umair), Rohan (Raje), Ghag (Rohan), Sahil (Jadhav)—everyone has played a part. The environment we’ve fostered is supporting the youngsters to step up on this grand stage.”

Falcons Depend on Form and Flair

SoBo Mumbai Falcons feature a formidable lineup and a captain with big-match experience in Shreyas Iyer, who is equally optimistic ahead of the final. Recognizing the significance of the occasion, Iyer expressed anticipation for the challenge.

“Honestly, I’m excited; it’s going to be a fantastic contest. The team before us played incredibly well in their chase. Siddhesh Lad is in excellent form, and I’m looking forward to facing him and his squad,” Iyer stated.

Both captains remain calm yet determined, with each team brimming with match-winners across all departments. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether through Lad’s composed leadership and strategic insights or Iyer’s flair and finishing prowess, the final promises to be a battle of skill and nerves.

Will the MSC Maratha Royals cap off an impressive journey under Lad’s leadership, or will Iyer’s SoBo Mumbai Falcons triumph? The stage is set, the players are prepared, as Mumbai eagerly awaits its new T20 champion.