IPL 2025 Final Preview: RCB vs PBKS – A Battle for the Maiden Title
The Road to the Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, finished second in the league stage with 9 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no-result, accumulating 19 points. Their journey to the final was marked by consistent performances, especially in away games, where they remained unbeaten—a first in IPL history. In Qualifier 1, RCB showcased their dominance by defeating PBKS by 8 wickets, chasing down a modest target of 102 in just 10 overs.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS topped the league stage, also with 19 points, edging out RCB on net run rate. Their path to the final was more challenging. After the loss to RCB in Qualifier 1, PBKS faced Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. Captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front, scoring an unbeaten 87 to guide PBKS to a five-wicket victory and secure their spot in the final.
Head-to-Head: A Balanced Rivalry
The rivalry between RCB and PBKS has been evenly matched over the years. Out of 36 encounters, both teams have won 18 matches each. However, RCB has had the upper hand in recent times, winning five of the last six matches against PBKS since 2023.
Key Players to Watch
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Virat Kohli: The talismanic batter has been in sublime form, amassing 614 runs this season, making him the leading run-scorer for RCB.
- Phil Salt: His aggressive batting at the top has provided RCB with explosive starts, including a quickfire 56 in Qualifier 1.
- Josh Hazlewood: The Australian pacer has been instrumental with the ball, taking 21 wickets this season.
Punjab Kings
- Shreyas Iyer: The captain has led by example, scoring 603 runs this season, including a match-winning 87* in Qualifier 2.
- Priyansh Arya: The young opener has impressed in his debut season, including a blistering 39-ball century against CSK.
- Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer has been effective in the death overs, claiming 18 wickets this season.
The Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, known for its batting-friendly conditions. This season, the average first innings score at this venue has been 219, indicating high-scoring matches. Teams batting first have won 6 out of 8 matches here in IPL 2025.
What to Expect
Both teams are eager to clinch their first IPL title, adding extra intensity to the contest. RCB will rely on their experienced players and recent momentum, while PBKS will look to capitalize on their strong batting lineup and the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. The match is expected to be a high-scoring affair, given the pitch conditions and the firepower in both batting lineups.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 final between RCB and PBKS is more than just a cricket match; it’s a battle for legacy, pride, and the culmination of years of effort. With both teams evenly matched and hungry for success, fans can anticipate a thrilling encounter that will be remembered for years to come.
Note: The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST on June 3, 2025. Fans can catch the live action on Star Sports and stream it on JioHotstar.
