Bollywood melodies blend with military tributes in IPL 2025 closing ceremony

National fervour reached a crescendo during the IPL 2025 closing ceremony on Tuesday, setting an emotionally charged stage for the much-anticipated final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

Patriotic spirit echoed through the stadium as stirring anthems like `Dushman ke chhakke chhudaa de, hum India wale` and `Sabse aage honge Hindustani` reverberated across the packed arena. The event paid glowing tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, with messages such as `Honouring the Indian Armed Forces`, `Salute to the Armed Forces`, and `Thank You Armed Forces` prominently displayed on digital advertising boards along the boundary and first tier of the world’s largest cricket venue.

Renowned Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan, joined by his sons Siddharth and Shivam, delivered a powerful and emotional performance that captivated the near-capacity crowd. Their musical set included a string of soul-stirring patriotic numbers, such as `Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe` and the title track from Lakshya, `Ae Watan Mere Aabad Rahe Tu`, and A.R. Rahman’s iconic `Vande Mataram`. The ceremonial concert concluded with an emphatic rendition of `Sabse Aage Honge Hindustani`, leaving fans both inspired and electrified.

As the musical tributes unfolded, players from both franchises continued their pre-match routines. RCB took to the field first for warm-ups, followed closely by Punjab Kings, creating a vivid contrast between patriotic celebration and intense sporting focus.

This emotionally charged atmosphere followed a sombre chapter in the tournament’s timeline. The IPL had been paused for 10 days last month in solidarity with the nation, as India’s Armed Forces carried out Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military mission responding to the tragic loss of 26 Indian civilians in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan-backed militants.

Following the conclusion of the closing ceremony, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first, placing Royal Challengers Bengaluru under early pressure in the final of the league’s 18th season. A victory for Bengaluru would not only secure their long-awaited maiden IPL title but also mark a career-defining moment for Virat Kohli. With throngs of passionate supporters clad in red and gold filling the stadium, the spotlight was firmly on the cricketing icon to finally break the title jinx that has eluded him since the league’s inception.

(With PTI inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day