The stage is set for an epic first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on 3 June, 2025, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final. For one of these sides, after 17 years and 18 seasons, they will lift their first IPL trophy, ending years of disappointment and gallant attempts. The anticipation is building, the stories are terrific, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
RCB: 17 Years, One Dream
For RCB, the narrative is deeply emotional. This is their fourth IPL final, and the weight of expectation is immense. The franchise, synonymous with passionate fans and star – studded lineups, has always found a way to falter at the final hurdle. Virat Kohli, the face of RCB for over a decade, has given his all to this franchise – runs, leadership, and heart. He’s won every major ICC trophy but the IPL has remained elusive.
RCB’s campaign has been a rollercoaster. Early home losses put captain Patidar under scrutiny, but the team found its groove away from Chinnaswamy, boasting the best away record in IPL history this season. Their bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal, has been clinical, while Kohli’s consistency at the top has set the tone in chases. They’ve beaten PBKS twice in three meetings this season, including a dominant 10-over chase in their last encounter.
PBKS: Shreyas Iyer’s Redemption
On the other side, Shreyas Iyer has quietly become one of the IPL’s most effective leaders. Having already captained two teams in finals (winning with KKR, losing with Delhi), he now leads PBKS to their first-ever final. Iyer’s leadership has been transformative, and his batting sublime – over 600 runs at a strike rate of 175 this season. His ability to marshal a team of all-rounders and unlock their potential has been a revelation.
PBKS, under Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, have redefined flexibility. Bowling coach James Hopes calls it the “second skill” approach-stacking the team with all-rounders so they’re always strong in whatever discipline comes second, be it batting or bowling. Their playoff win over Mumbai Indians, chasing 204 in just 19 overs, showcased their fearless intent and depth.
Also read: IPL 2025 Final: What Happens If RCB vs PBKS Match Gets Washed Out?
IPL 2025: Season Stats Comparison
| Stats | RCB | PBKS |
| Most Runs | Virat Kohli (614) | Shreyas Iyer (603) |
| Most Wickets | Josh Hazlewood (21) | Arshdeep Singh (18) |
Key Match-Ups and Players to Watch
RCB
- Virat Kohli: The big stage brings out his best. After a rare failure in Qualifier 1, expect a strong response.
- Rajat Patidar: His captaincy and batting will be under the microscope in the biggest game of his career.
- Josh Hazlewood: The Australian pacer has never lost a final and thrives in overcast, seam-friendly conditions.
PBKS
- Shreyas Iyer: The captain and batting talisman. Ahmedabad has been his happy hunting ground.
- Arshdeep Singh: With rain and cloud cover predicted, his ability to swing the new ball could be decisive.
- Prabhsimran Singh & Priyansh Arya: The explosive opening pair can set the tone in the Powerplay.
Predicted XIs & Impact Subs
| RCB | PBKS |
| Phil Salt | Priyansh Arya |
| Virat Kohli | Prabhsimran Singh |
| Mayank Agarwal | Josh Inglis (wk) |
| Rajat Patidar (c) | Shreyas Iyer (c) |
| Liam Livingstone/Tim David | Nehal Wadhera |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) | Shashank Singh |
| Romario Shepherd | Marcus Stoinis |
| Krunal Pandya | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Vijaykumar Vyshak |
| Yash Dayal | Kyle Jamieson |
| Josh Hazlewood | Arshdeep Singh |
| Impact: Suyash Sharma | Impact: Chahal/Harpreet Brar |
Head-to-Head This Season
- Both teams have struggled at home but thrived away, making the neutral Ahmedabad venue a fascinating battleground.
- Their last clash saw RCB bowl out PBKS for 101 and chase it down in 10 overs.
Pitch & Weather Update
The Ahmedabad pitch is usually a batting paradise, but rain is forecast for the final. If the pitch stays under covers, expect some early movement for the seamers. Both teams love chasing, and the toss could be crucial if conditions are damp and cloudy.
What Makes This Final Special?
- A New Champion Guaranteed: Neither team has ever won the IPL – one will finally break their duck.
- Generational Talents: Kohli’s quest for the missing piece in his trophy cabinet versus Iyer’s bid to cement his legacy as one of IPL’s most successful captains.
- Tactical Masterclass: Flower’s methodical approach vs Ponting’s aggressive, flexible style.
- Weather Factor: Rain could make this a bowler’s night, adding another layer of unpredictability.
Final Word
After 17 years, two passionate franchises, and a season full of drama, the IPL 2025 final promises to be a classic. Will Kohli finally get his hands on the IPL trophy and complete his cricketing legacy? Or will Shreyas Iyer’s PBKS, the team of all-rounders and fearless chasers, script a new chapter in IPL history?
Whatever the outcome, cricket fans are guaranteed a night of high drama, emotion, and unforgettable moments as a new IPL champion is crowned. Get ready for a night of high drama as a new IPL champion is crowned!
Written By Smita Singh
