The grand finale of IPL 2025 is set for June 3 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings battle for their maiden title. After 17 long years and 18 attempts, RCB are finally back in an IPL final, driven by the dreams of fans and the fire of Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, PBKS are chasing their own piece of history, with captain Shreyas Iyer in the form of his life, both as a batter and a leader.
RCB's road to the final has been remarkable, especially outside of their Chinnaswamy fortress. Under the young leadership of Rajat Patidar, and with Kohli leading the batting charge, RCB have redefined their identity this season. Kohli, playing possibly his final IPL, has been instrumental in the chases and remains RCB's emotional and tactical core. The Bengaluru side enters the final with a 2-1 head-to-head record over Punjab this season.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, are powered by all-rounders and a fearless approach. Shreyas Iyer has already led three different franchises to IPL finals Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now Punjab making a case for himself as one of the tournament's finest captains. PBKS stormed into the final after hammering Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, showcasing their depth and adaptability.
Virat Kohli’s hunger for an IPL title is no secret. After stepping down from captaincy, he’s focused solely on his batting and team spirit. But the pressure remains. On the other side, Shreyas Iyer is enjoying a breakout season with the bat, scoring over 600 runs at a strike rate of 175 highest among all batters this year.
In the dugout, it's Andy Flower vs Ricky Ponting a tactical battle of two highly regarded T20 minds. Flower, with a phenomenal win record across global leagues, has shaped RCB’s turnaround. Ponting, coaching PBKS this season, has built a well-balanced unit with a focus on second-skill depth and flexibility.
Bowling could play a huge role, especially with Ahmedabad's unpredictable weather. Rain might spice up the pitch, potentially helping RCB’s pace unit featuring Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal. Hazlewood, with his unbeaten record in finals, could be a trump card. PBKS will rely on Arshdeep Singh to make early breakthroughs, especially if the overcast conditions persist. Ahmedabad has been a happy hunting ground for Shreyas Iyer, who thrives under pressure. RCB, though unbeaten away from home this season, haven't played in Ahmedabad yet, making this a neutral ground where confidence and adaptability will determine the outcome.
Both teams love to chase, have momentum on their side, and possess game-changers throughout their line-ups. From Suyash Sharma’s impact bowling to Krunal Pandya’s unorthodox pace spin, RCB have the variety. Punjab, with batters like Priyansh Arya and finishers like Marcus Stoinis, boast depth and flair. A new champion will emerge, ending years of frustration for either franchise. Whether it’s Kohli lifting the trophy for the first time or Shreyas Iyer etching his name among IPL’s elite captains, fans can expect an emotional and electrifying finale to IPL 2025.
