Eighteen years. Countless heartbreaks. A million prayers. And now, a chance to finally change the script. The IPL 2025 final is not just another cricket match; it’s an emotional event for fans of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. On June 3, the world’s largest cricket stadium—the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—will host two of the most passionate and trophy-hungry teams in the league as they vie for their maiden IPL crown.
This is not the classic Mumbai vs Chennai tale. It’s the story of two franchises that have walked through fire, endured ridicule, and rebuilt themselves from ashes. Now, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer, RCB and PBKS stand on the edge of immortality.
Match Preview
When RCB and PBKS met in Qualifier 1, the result was telling. RCB didn’t just win; they dominated. Their bowlers applied early pressure, and their batters capitalized, walking off with confidence.
Virat Kohli, whose bat seems to be dipped in gold this season, and Josh Hazlewood, the returning warrior from injury, have been the catalysts in RCB’s campaign. They’ve gelled as a unit with clear roles, stability, and a shared intent.
Punjab Kings, however, aren’t here by chance. Shreyas Iyer’s side picked themselves up after that loss and knocked out a heavyweight in Mumbai Indians to storm back into the final. Their story this season has been one of quiet grit. From the rise of domestic performers like Shashank Singh to Marcus Stoinis turning games single-handedly, PBKS are as dangerous as they come.
This isn’t just a final. It’s redemption wrapped in a red-and-gold spectacle.
Team News
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
The big news is Josh Hazlewood’s return and what an impact he’s had! RCB’s bowling now looks incisive. Captain Rajat Patidar is back to full fitness and marshalling the squad with calm assurance. However, concerns linger over Tim David, who’s limping and may not feature. Even more pressing is the uncertainty surrounding Phil Salt, who is on baby watch. Should he miss out, Mayank Agarwal or Suyash Sharma could be used more strategically as an Impact Player.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
PBKS seem to have timed their peak perfectly. They’ve got a fully fit squad, and bringing back Yuzvendra Chahal paid off big time. His dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav in the previous game was match-turning. Expect them to stick with the winning combination. The only tweak might be tactical, involving Prabhsimran Singh as the Impact Player based on whether they bat or bowl first.
Weather & Pitch Report
The skies in Ahmedabad are expected to remain clear, with the mercury dipping slightly from a high of 36°C to 32°C as the evening unfolds—ideal conditions for a night of high-octane cricket.
As for the pitch, it’s a batter’s paradise. The average first innings score here this season is a staggering 217. With six of the seven matches being won by teams batting first, expect the captain winning the toss to opt for runs on the board and unleash scoreboard pressure.
Probable Playing XI and Impact Players
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
- Phil Salt (if available)
- Virat Kohli
- Mayank Agarwal
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Liam Livingstone
- Krunal Pandya
- Romario Shepherd
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
- Priyansh Arya
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Kyle Jamieson
- Vyshak Vijaykumar
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Arshdeep Singh
Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh
Key Players
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
- Virat Kohli: Leading the IPL 2025 charts with 614 runs, Kohli’s bat has spoken louder than ever. Whether it’s anchoring a chase or attacking in the Powerplay, he’s been RCB’s backbone.
- Josh Hazlewood: With 21 wickets and an economy that strangles teams early, the Aussie speedster is RCB’s biggest asset in the powerplay and death overs.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
- Shreyas Iyer: A captain in control and a batter in prime form, Iyer’s 603 runs include clutch knocks in pressure games. His temperament could decide the fate of PBKS.
- Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer has 18 wickets, often delivering key breakthroughs with the new ball and nailing yorkers at the death.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
On paper, there’s very little separating the two sides. RCB carries the psychological advantage, having beaten PBKS just a few days ago in Qualifier 1. They also have players who’ve tasted big-match pressure before: Kohli, Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, and Livingstone.
But PBKS aren’t backing down. They’ve taken the longer route, tested themselves under pressure, and emerged hungrier. If they can counter Kohli early and disrupt RCB’s rhythm with the ball, Shreyas Iyer’s side has the artillery to script their fairy tale.
Still, considering form, firepower, and momentum, RCB holds a slender edge. But as the cliché goes, cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Whoever has their nerve better under the floodlights of Ahmedabad will lift their first-ever IPL trophy.
