Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was thrilled with the triumph as he guided India Masters to glory in the historic International Masters League (IML) 2025. India Masters claimed the title by prevailing over West Indies Masters by six wickets in a heart-pounding grand final on Sunday.
The event that brought back nostalgic memories and feature some of the best cricketing talent proved an unforgettable experience, with Tendulkar and his squad entering the history books.
Sachin Tendulkar Relives Cricketing Glory
Taking to his official X account, Tendulkar expressed his happiness, saying, “C.H.A.M.R.I.O.N.S. From practice sessions to match days, every moment at the @imlt20official seemed like going back in time. It felt incredible to be back on the pitch alongside some of the game’s greatest players. I’m grateful to everyone who made this experience so memorable, including the spectators, organizers, and my India Masters teammates.”
Sachin Tendulkar, who impressed with his retro strokeplay, accumulated 181 runs from six matches at a strike rate of 153.38 and an average of 30.16. His performance of the tournament was a free-flowing 64, which testified to his ability being evergreen.
India Masters’ Star Players
A few players made significant contributions towards India Masters’ winning ways:
Ambati Rayudu: 188 runs from five innings including two fifties, hitting at 142.42 and averaging 47.00.
Yuvraj Singh: 179 runs in a span of five innings with an average of 179.00 and a strike rate of 184.53, with three wickets as well.
Stuart Binny: 122 runs in four innings with an average of 40.66, striking at 187.69, including one half-century.
Irfan Pathan: 113 runs in a total of five matches at an average of 56.50, striking at 185.24, and also taking six wickets.
Pawan Negi: Nine wickets in six matches with an average of 15.66.
Vinay Kumar: Eight wickets in five matches at a batting average of 23.62.
A Classic Final Between Two Powerhouses
India Masters vs. West Indies Masters final produced a grand encounter. West Indies Masters put up a humble target of 148/7, based on Lendl Simmons’ fifty. India Masters easily chased down the score with the help of an opening stand of 67 runs by Tendulkar (25) and Rayudu (74).
Tendulkar exemplified his signature elegance, treating spectators to classy cover drives and flicks. Rayudu, however, used a more aggressive strategy, taking apart the West Indies’ bowling line-up with measured shots. While Tendulkar walked in after an 18-ball innings with two boundaries and a six, Rayudu forged ahead, accumulating a 34-ball fifty.
The middle order, guided by Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14) and Yuvraj Singh (13 not out), kept India Masters on track. Although there was some resistance from West Indies spinners, Stuart Binny (16 not out) finished the match in style with two huge sixes.
Batting Struggles of West Indies Masters
Choosing to bat first, West Indies Masters depended on Brian Lara (6) and Dwayne Smith (45) to give a good beginning. The two set off at a brisk pace to 34 in less than four overs, compelling India Masters to re-strategize. Vinay Kumar, though, gave the break-through, getting rid of Lara and turning the match around.
After Lara left, wickets fell. William Perkins (6) was dismissed by Shahbaz Nadeem, and Smith’s fiery knock was cut short at 45 off 35 balls. Middle order was crumpling under pressure as Ravi Rampaul (2) and Chadwick Walton (6) could not form any useful partnerships.
There was some solidity provided by Lendl Simmons’ gritty 57 from 41 balls, which had five boundaries and one six. His 61-run alliance with Denesh Ramdin (12 not out) added valuable runs. But India Masters’ disciplined bowling attack restricted them to 148/7.
India Masters’ Bowling Dominance
Vinay Kumar led the bowling with 3/26, Shahbaz Nadeem (2 wickets) and Pawan Negi (1 wicket) put pressure in the middle overs. Stuart Binny also contributed a vital wicket.
IML 2025 was a festivity of cricket greatness, nostalgia, and the indomitable nature of the game. The climax in a houseful of spectators had icons of the sport going back in time, much to the joy of cricket lovers across the globe.
Sachin Tendulkar’s comeback to competitive cricket, along with other cricket legends, made this event an unforgettable experience. India Masters’ victory cemented their title as the first IML champions and opened up future events of the competition.