Nehal Wadhera On IPL 2025 Final: 'If I Didn't Learn From It, I'd Still Be Standing There'

In one of the first interviews he gave after the IPL 2025 final, where the Punjab Kings lost to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Nehal Wadhera shouldered all of the responsibility. “I totally blame myself. If I had played better at that time, we could have definitely won,” he said.

It was unexpected coming from a 24-year-old with a handful of IPL matches under his belt. Yes, on the scorecard, a 15 (18) doesn’t read too well, but he had come to bat at 79/3, which soon became 98/4, with most of the PBKS’ best batters already out. He tried to do what everyone who grew up watching MS Dhoni would have — take the game deep, aim to finish it later — but it didn’t work out.

Now, back after a season of introspection, he has promised to show and not tell

the improvements he has made in his game.

“If I didn’t learn anything from that, I’d still be standing in the same place,” Wadhera told News18 CricketNext from the UAE. “But I did learn. I’ve worked on it. And rather than talk about it, I’d rather you see it in the games this season. There’s always more to learn, but execution in pressure situations is what separates the players who go on to play for India. That’s the mindset I’m carrying this time.”

“I have my goals, but I’d rather keep them inside and share them after the season. That’s just how I like it. Whatever I’ve set for myself, I want to show it, not say it. I’ve been working towards it. You’ll see it. Hopefully, fingers crossed. And yes, the championship is definitely one of those goals,” he added.

Gearing up for it in the UAE

Wadhera revealed that the environment after that loss in Ahmedabad, only the second final in PBKS’ history, was one of pride. Head coach Ricky Ponting, who told the team they were capable of lifting the title in their first meeting, led the speeches again at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

This year, PBKS have made a jump start on the opponents, getting all available players to the UAE to begin a pre-season camp in warm weather. The discussions have naturally revolved around handling pressure situations better.

“We’ve done outdoor camps before, but this is our first one outside India,” Wadhera said. “It’s been really good. They’re taking care of every aspect: diet, workouts, running, skills, recovery massages, steam baths, ice baths, everything. Every box is ticked. So the mindset is positive. Everyone’s excited for the new season, excited to execute their roles.”

“The World Cup is on in India, and the weather in the northern belt is a bit cold. Abu Dhabi made sense, just a two-three-hour flight, and it’s been very welcoming. The management and the UAE Cricket Association have really looked after us. Whatever we asked for, they’ve fulfilled. Actually, they’ve given us more than that,” he added.

The IPL is expected to begin in the third week of March 2026.